idiom (noun) · formal
golden handshake
UK/ˌɡəʊldən ˈhændʃeɪk/US/ˌɡoʊldən ˈhændˌʃeɪk/GOLD·en·HAND·shake
a large sum of money given to an employee when they leave a company, especially as a severance or retirement payment
Examples
“The CEO received a hefty golden handshake when he resigned.”
“Some executives negotiate a golden handshake as part of their contract.”
“Critics argued that golden handshakes for failed managers were unfair.”
Band 8 sentence
“The board approved a golden handshake for the outgoing director despite public criticism.”
Collocations
- receive a golden handshake
- offer/accept a golden handshake
Word family
Common mistakes
golden handshakes→golden handshake
a golden shake→a golden handshake
Say it for a higher band
5pay→6severance pay→7+golden handshake
Synonyms
severance package
Easily confused
severance package
“She negotiated a generous severance package before leaving the company.”
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