gentleman's agreement

gentleman's agreement

A legally non-binding arrangement that is guaranteed only by a verbal or mutually understood agreement by the parties involved. Though my father left me his entire estate in his will, I made a gentleman's agreement with my brother to share the wealth equally between us.
See also: agreement
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a gentleman's agreement

or

a gentlemen's agreement

A gentleman's agreement or a gentlemen's agreement is an informal agreement that is not written down but in which people trust one another to do what they have promised. We had no contract; it was done by a gentleman's agreement. I'm hoping we can come to a gentlemen's agreement, Colonel.
See also: agreement
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a gentleman's agreement

an arrangement or understanding which is based on the trust of both or all parties, rather than being legally binding.
1991 Charles Anderson Grain: Entrepreneurs There had been a ‘gentleman's agreement’ by the Grain Growers not to enter the markets of Saskatchewan Wheat Pool's predecessor.
See also: agreement
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

a ˌgentleman’s aˈgreement

(also a ˌgentlemen’s aˈgreement) an agreement, a contract, etc. in which nothing is written down because both people trust each other not to break it: ‘Why don’t you tell him you don’t want to sell it now?’ ‘I can’t possibly. It was a gentleman’s agreement and I must keep to it.’
See also: agreement
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a gentleman's agreement
  • gentleman's pact
  • bargain over (someone or something) (with someone)
  • differ
  • disagree
  • agree to differ
  • agree to disagree
  • afire
  • get along
  • in the closet
References in periodicals archive
''We are not aware that a gentleman's agreement has existed,'' the top government spokesman told a press conference at the premier's office.
LEAD: Chinese envoy repeats call on Koizumi to stop shrine visits
'The gentleman's agreement was always openly discussed.
It's your own fault - Jurgen
"We need to maintain the gentleman's agreement, and are looking for bookmakers to make sure that complaints are dealt with."
Racing News: Bookies told to be open with punters; Home Office is concerned over betting conduct
American novelist and short-story writer noted for her novel Gentleman's Agreement (1947; film, 1947), a best-selling study of anti-Semitism.
Hobson, Laura Z
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City-based Fleming, through its Philadelphia division, has a "gentleman's agreement" to supply Marketplace America, a 100,000square-foot facility slated to open in Moscow this fall, says Robert Trovato, developer of the store.
To Russia, with groceries
BY PAUL O'HEHIR THE FAI has refused to comment on Michael O'Neill's request for a "gentleman's agreement" to prevent the poaching of young Northern Ireland players.
FAI ARE SILENT; Silence in O'Neill row
Sherwin Gatchalian said the country's 'gentleman's agreement' with China should be reviewed in light of the latest development in the South China Sea as reported by Inquirer.net on Monday.
Senate inquiry into PH foreign policy urged
'ODM did not honour the gentleman's agreement that put ANC's Sakwa Bunyasi (Nambale) as the coalition sole candidate for the PAC seat,' Mwale had said.
ODM bags another top House post
Continue reading "When Hollywood Was Scared To Depict Anti-Semitism, It Made 'Gentleman's Agreement'" at...
When Hollywood Was Scared To Depict Anti-Semitism, It Made 'Gentleman's Agreement'
WARREN Gatland has revealed he has a gentleman's agreement with Welsh Rugby Union boss Roger Lewis to be released if asked to coach the British and Irish Lions in 2017.
Gatland pledge; SPORT SHORTS RUGBY UNION
"I reminded the chairman of our gentleman's agreement when we were in Dubrovnik last summer and I agreed a contract extension with Tottenham," Modric said.
Modric unhappy with Spurs chief; FOOTBALL
Under the terms of the "gentleman's agreement" Tevez would go back to his roots at the age of 29 in 2013.
TEV CITY WAY OUT
But Levein wanted the gentleman's agreement between the four home nations to be changed and Hampden sources are "confident" Driver - who played for England Under-21s - will soon belong to them.
Andy's wait over
May I suggest to the club that rather than resort to petulant tactics which have done nothing to enhance the image of Cardiff City amongst the vast majority of supporters, they actually consider imposing a ban on Peter Ridsdale, saving the club over pounds 2m, if the past 12 months are anything to go by; pounds 1m in wages, pounds 750,000 in the now infamous "gentleman's agreement" fiasco with Hasselbaink, and another pounds 400,000 in legal costs, defending the Langstone case because of the lack of a watertight contract.
Letter: Straight to the point
"The acid test of that, though, will be whether anybody wanted to challenge that gentleman's agreement.
Rugby Union: European laws set for final say in Welsh quota plans