SHAKE HAND Meaning and
Definition
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Shake hand is a common idiom and gesture used to describe the act of extending one's hand towards another person's hand and briefly grasping and moving it up and down as a sign of greeting, farewell, agreement, or congratulations. It is a physical ritual that signifies goodwill, trust, and mutual acknowledgment between individuals.
Shaking hands typically involves the palm contact of two individuals with their fingers somewhat interlocked. It is commonly used in various social and professional settings, such as business meetings, job interviews, formal introductions, and social gatherings. The gesture is typically accompanied by eye contact, a smile, and sometimes a verbal exchange of greetings or pleasantries.
Shaking hands has been practiced for centuries and is considered a universal custom in many cultures worldwide. It symbolizes respect, equality, and establishes a personal connection between individuals. The act of shaking hands may vary slightly from culture to culture, with variations in the firmness of grip, duration of the shake, and accompanying gestures.
In addition to its social significance, shaking hands is also an important aspect in various cultural and religious ceremonies. For example, in some cultures, shaking hands with the right hand is considered proper etiquette, while in others, offering both hands may be a sign of utmost respect or sincerity.
Overall, shaking hands is a fundamental human gesture that serves as a form of non-verbal communication to convey trust, goodwill, and bonding between individuals in both personal and professional interactions.
Etymology of SHAKE HAND
The word "shake hand" originates from Middle English, dating back to the 14th century. The term "shake" comes from the Old English word "sceacan", which means "to move or sway with force" or "to cause to tremble". "Hand" originates from the Old English word "hand", which has its roots in Germanic languages. Combining these two words together, "shake hand" refers to the action of taking someone's hand and moving or swaying it, symbolizing a greeting, farewell, or agreement. Over time, this term has become commonly used to describe the customary act of physically greeting someone by clasping and moving hands up and down.
Idioms with the word SHAKE HAND
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shake hand
To shake hands is a traditional gesture of greeting or parting in which two people grasp each other's right hands and move them up and down.
