green handshake
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.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The official accepted a green handshake to approve the permit.”
“You cannot get a table here without giving the host a green handshake.”
“He offers a green handshake to avoid paying the full fine.”
“The contractor slipped the inspector a green handshake to ensure the building passed its safety check without any delays.”
“The politician lost his job after a journalist filmed him accepting a green handshake from the local property developer.”
“Some people believe that a green handshake is the only way to get a driver's license quickly in this city.”
“Although the transaction was documented as a standard consulting fee, the investigators suspected it was merely a green handshake intended to influence the outcome of the bidding process.”
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.
- 01
Chinese green
Synonym of lokao.
- 02
go green
To implement certain lifestyle changes designed to help one live in a more ecologically friendly way.
- 03
God's green earth
The world.
- 04
golden handshake
A generous severance payment, especially as an inducement to leave employment.
- 05
green about the gills
Ill or unwell, especially as indicated by one's appearance.
- 06
green as grass
Inexperienced or naive.
- 07
green fingers
A seemingly natural gardening ability.
- 08
green in earth
Of a deceased person, recently buried.
Last updated August 10, 2026