shake hands
Idioms-
Also, shake someone's hand . Clasp another's hand in greeting, farewell, or congratulation or as a sign of friendship or goodwill. For example, Stop fighting, boys; shake hands and be done with it , or You won first prize? Let me shake your hand . [Early 1500s]
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shake hands on . Confirm a promise or bargain, as in We didn't sign a contract; we simply shook hands on our agreement . [Early 1900s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Tielemans cuts a relaxed figure as he conducts his first extended media interview since his switch from Villa, taking time to personally shake hands with all the journalists present.
From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026
In part by dispatching health workers with megaphones to remind residents in traffic-clogged streets not to shake hands or hug.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026
Several other cities have followed: Chengdu deployed a mixed squad of quadruped and humanoid robots, Shenzhen is testing humanoids that shake hands with passersby, and a Wenzhou model literally rolls.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 22, 2026
Korpatsch refused to shake hands with her opponent after prevailing 6-2 2-6 6-3 in a second-round match overshadowed by lingering tension.
From BBC ● May 27, 2026
Cohn was crying, and Brett had told him off, and he wanted to shake hands.
From "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.