Shake Hands – Meaning and Examples
Imagine meeting someone for the first time or closing a big deal at work. What’s one of the first things you do? You probably shake hands! This simple action is a universal way to greet, congratulate, or show agreement. Let’s explore how to use this phrase naturally in English.
What Does “Shake Hands” Mean?
“Shake hands” means to grip someone’s hand and move it up and down as a greeting, farewell, or sign of agreement. Think of it like a friendly or professional “hello” or “thank you” without words. It’s a physical action, but we also use the phrase to talk about the moment when people connect or agree on something.
When to Use It
You can use “shake hands” in many situations:
- When meeting someone for the first time, especially in a formal or professional setting.
- When closing a deal or reaching an agreement.
- When congratulating someone or showing respect.
This phrase is neutral—it works in both casual and formal situations.
Example Sentences
- “When you meet the manager, don’t forget to shake hands firmly.”
- “After the interview, I stood up to shake hands with the hiring team.”
- “The two leaders shook hands to celebrate their new partnership.”
- “It’s polite to shake hands when you meet someone for the first time.”
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “How did your job interview go?”
Jamie: “It went really well! I even got to shake hands with the CEO at the end.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t confuse “shake hands” with other hand gestures. It’s specifically about gripping and moving someone’s hand.
- ❌ Don’t: “They shook hands to wave goodbye.”
- ✅ Do: “They shook hands to greet each other at the meeting.”
Practice Tip
Next time you meet someone new or close a deal, use the phrase “shake hands” to describe the moment. Try saying, “It was great to finally shake hands with you!”
Final Note
Now you know how to use “shake hands” like a natural English speaker! This phrase is simple but powerful—it helps you sound confident in both personal and professional situations. Keep practicing, and soon it will feel automatic. You’re doing great!