golden handshake

noun

: a generous severance agreement given especially as an inducement to early retirement

Examples of golden handshake in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Carlos Tavares has run out of road at Stellantis just as the golden handshake of a 2026 retirement package started to appear on the horizon. Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 2 Dec. 2024 The O’Hare couple will have plenty to keep them busy after their golden handshake. Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 5 July 2024 In Munger’s view, Gutfreund let the company down and deserved no huge golden handshake. Matt Schifrin, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 Last summer, he was handed a contract worth $36 million a year, complete with a $120 million golden handshake. Rory Smith, New York Times, 24 July 2023 The virtuosity came in the form of a golden handshake, the documents show. Catherine Belton, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2022 Ms Jiba’s successor, Mxolisi Nxasana, proved less convenient for Mr Zuma, and left after a golden handshake. The Economist, 12 Dec. 2019 The ex-Borussia Dortmund star also wants a 'golden handshake' from United to leave - something the 20-times English top flight champions are refusing to entertain. SI.com, 17 Jan. 2018 The law tolerates golden handshakes or other incentives for employees who agree to retire within two or three years, but even these must be structured carefully to avoid litigation based on a claim of age discrimination. Saul Levmore and Martha Nussbaum, WSJ, 22 Sep. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of golden handshake was in 1959

Dictionary Entries Near golden handshake

Cite this Entry

“Golden handshake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/golden%20handshake. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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