Golden handshake: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Golden handshake” mean?

"Golden handshake" means a large sum of money given to an employee as a retirement package or severance payment.

What context can I use the in?

Example

After working for the company for 30 years, he received a golden handshake of $1 million.

Example

The CEO was forced to resign but received a golden handshake worth millions of dollars.

Example

The company's financial troubles led to many employees losing their jobs, but they were given golden handshakes to ease the transition

Is “Golden handshake” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Golden handshake” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Golden handshake” effectively in context?

You can use "Golden handshake" to refer to a large sum of money given to an employee as a retirement package or severance payment. It emphasizes the financial compensation provided to an employee upon leaving a company. For example, if someone is discussing a high-profile executive who was let go from their position but received a significant payout, they might say, 'Despite the controversy, the CEO walked away with a golden handshake worth millions.'

• 1. Retirement

  After working for the company for 30 years, he received a golden handshake of $1 million.

• 2. Resignation

  The CEO was forced to resign but received a golden handshake worth millions of dollars.

• 3. Layoffs

  The company's financial troubles led to many employees losing their jobs, but they were given golden handshakes to ease the transition.

Similar phrases to “Golden handshake”:

Severance package

A financial package provided to an employee who is laid off or terminated

Example

After being laid off, she received a generous severance package.

Golden parachute

A financial arrangement that provides substantial benefits to executives in the event of a merger or acquisition

Example

The CEO negotiated a golden parachute clause in her contract.

Payout

A sum of money paid to someone, typically as a result of a legal settlement or retirement

Example

The lottery winner received a large payout.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Golden handshake” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Golden handshake" is unknown.

Is “Golden handshake” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Golden handshake" is a common idiom in everyday conversation, especially in discussions about employment, compensation, and corporate affairs. It is frequently used in business contexts and news articles.

What tone does “Golden handshake” have?

"Golden handshake" conveys a tone of financial benefit and compensation. It is often used to discuss the financial arrangements made for employees upon their departure from a company.

Can “Golden handshake” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "golden handshake" is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized expression in the business world and can be used in various professional contexts, such as meetings, negotiations, or HR discussions. It is also suitable for casual conversations among colleagues or friends.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He received a golden handshake of $1 million upon his retirement.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He got a "golden handshake"!' to imply a significant payout.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• generous retirement package
• lucrative severance payment
• substantial exit compensation

Antonyms

• no compensation
• unpaid departure
• financial loss