English Explanatory Dictionary

green handshake

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A bribe, or a transfer of money that the interested parties represent as a tip but that disinterested third parties are likely to view as a bribe.

Word forms

green handshake green handshakes

Etymology

Because U.S. dollar bills are green; the term reflects euphemistic irony, as it implies that a handshake that hands them off is more than a mere handshake.

Related words

golden handshake backscratcher backscratching pay-to-play quid pro quo scratch someone's back you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours
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