shake hands

The act of clasping another's hand, typically with a brief up-and-down motion, to greet, part, or signify agreement.

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Definition

A2General

(common)To grasp someone's hand with your own, often moving them up and down, to greet, say goodbye, or express agreement.

Example

  • They shook hands to seal the deal.
  • When they met, they shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.

B1Figurative

(figurative)To part ways or say farewell.

Example

  • After years of working together, they finally shook hands and went their separate ways.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "shake hands":

shake hands with the unemployedjoin handsthrow handsglad handsecret handshakeextend one's handhold someone's handgive pawrun handsfist bumpraise one's handhigh fivetalk to the handwave goodbyewash one's handshand rubshake offtouch basehand in handshake downdeal a handhand overput one's hand uppair of handsbare hand