green handshake en · NOUN
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.
Meanings
-
(idiomatic) 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.
ended the long local tradition of green handshakes for building inspectors
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| green handshakes | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Coordinates
douceur · sweetener · backhander · inducement · bung · dash · pay-off · payola · tea money · cold drink money · payoff · kickback · bribe · coffee money · kopi money · subornation
Relateds
backscratcher · golden handshake · you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours · scratch someone's back · quid pro quo · pay-to-play · backscratching