handshake

golden handshake

A large severance package given to an executive who leaves a company due to termination, corporate restructuring, or retirement. The company's vice president received a $500,000 golden handshake after being pressured to leave his position.
See also: golden, handshake

on a handshake

Of an agreement, informally or unofficially, as opposed to officially, in writing, etc. They agreed to giving me a pay raise on a handshake, but six months later I have yet to see a dime of that. Investigating the shady deals has been difficult as many were done on a handshake, so there is very little in the way of a paper trail to follow.
See also: handshake, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

golden handshake

Generous severance pay to an employee, often as an incentive for early retirement. For example, With a dwindling school population, the town decided to offer golden handshakes to some of the teachers . This slangy business term dates from the mid-1900s. A close relative is golden parachute, a generous severance agreement for an executive in the event of sudden dismissal owing to a merger or similar circumstance. This expression first appeared about 1980.
See also: golden, handshake
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

a golden handshake

1. A golden handshake is a large amount of money that someone is given if they are asked to leave a job before the normal age when they would leave. She offered me a golden handshake to get me to leave quietly, which I did.
2. A golden handshake is a large amount of money that a company gives to an employee when he or she leaves, as a reward for long service or good work. The officer retired with a golden handshake and a pension.
See also: golden, handshake

on a handshake

If an agreement or contract is made on a handshake, it is agreed between people but not written down. Our business is all done on a handshake. The White Star line, it seems, went about its business in a curious way, with contracts agreed on a handshake.
See also: handshake, on
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a golden handshake

a sum of money paid by an employer to a retiring or redundant employee.
On the same principle, the phrase a golden hello was coined in the late 20th century. It is explained in an Appointments section of the New Scientist in 1998 : ‘Employers…especially in the financial sector, are offering “golden hellos”. These are advances of up to £2000, sometimes given on acceptance of a job offer or with the first month's salary.’
See also: golden, handshake
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

a golden ˈhandshake

a large sum of money given to somebody when they leave their job, or to persuade them to leave their job: The directors will each get a large golden handshake and a pension.
See also: golden, handshake
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a golden handshake
  • golden handshake
  • parachute
  • golden parachute
  • be hard done-by
  • be/feel hard done by
  • elephant ear
  • feel hard done-by
  • hard done by
  • hard done-by
References in periodicals archive
Do you know that in the business world today, either women or men may initiate the handshake?
Handshaking is an ancient ritual
Their unique handshake has given them the legitimacy to speak credibly of two divided political camps coming together for the sake of national stability and progress.
Uhuru, Raila handshake has elevated Kenya's geopolitical profile
The minutes notes that the board was informed that a total of 168 employees served in the company and negotiated proposal was to offer four gross salaries for every year of service to employees opting for golden handshake.
EZDMC to offer golden handshake to over 160 employees
The handshake comes at a time when there has been rising furore regarding a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) report that hints at MBS' hand in Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi's killing.
Internet goes wild over Putin-MBS handshake
'Apollo' (a viral conjunctivitis), which causes epidemics every now and then is often spread by handshakes while trachoma conjunctivitis, a chronic bacterial infection of the eye, has been known until recently a leading cause of blindness in Nigeria and in several parts of the world.
Weapons of mass destruction: Handshakes are dangerous
For patients I've never met, I often proffer my hand turned slightly upward for our first handshake. This subtle sign of submission shows I'm open and committed to them.
Handshake
The US president has been known for his lengthy, intense handshakes with world leaders.
Duterte sings at dinner, Trump struggles with Asean handshake
Research supports the idea that a simple handshake reveals certain elements of our personalities.
MAKING A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION mind over matter WITH DR ELLIE MILBY
According to one poll, some 70% of people don't feel confident about their ability to give a proper handshake.
70% of People Don't Know How to Give a Proper Handshake
To greet someone formally, a handshake is the old standby.
A less germy hello
Last year, another study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that the fist bump is a healthier alternative to the handshake within health care settings.
Research favors fist bumps to handshakes
Even swapping a firm handshake for a gentler, briefer shake could have a significant impact on reducing the spread of infection.
Fist bump to reduce flu
There's an art to the simple handshake, says Joe Navarro, an ex-FBI agent, author and expert in body language.
What your handshake says about you
w ROW: Anton and Terry bust-up and (inset) how we reported handshake call off last season
WALK ON BY; Terry's facing new blow EXCLUSIVE Anton to snub JT handshake