Drive-By Handshake

B2 16+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /draɪv-baɪ ˈhændˌʃeɪk/

Definitions of drive-by handshake

noun A drive-by handshake refers to a quick handshake exchanged between two people while one or both parties are in motion, such as in a car or passing by each other on the street.

Example Sentences

A1 I saw my friend across the street and we did a quick drive-by handshake.

A2 At the drive-thru, the employee gave me my order with a drive-by handshake.

B1 During the parade, the mayor greeted the crowd with a drive-by handshake.

B2 The celebrity arrived at the event and greeted fans with a drive-by handshake before entering.

C1 The politician made a brief appearance at the rally, giving a drive-by handshake to supporters.

C2 As the CEO left the meeting, he acknowledged each team member with a drive-by handshake.

Examples of drive-by handshake in a Sentence

formal During the business conference, they exchanged a drive-by handshake as a gesture of courtesy.

informal As they passed each other in the hallway, they gave a quick drive-by handshake.

slang I didn't have time to stop and chat, so I just gave him a drive-by handshake.

figurative Their relationship was so strained that their interactions felt like a drive-by handshake - brief and impersonal.

Grammatical Forms of drive-by handshake

past tense

drove-by handshake

plural

drive-by handshakes

comparative

more drive-by handshake

superlative

most drive-by handshake

present tense

drive-by handshake

future tense

will drive-by handshake

perfect tense

have driven-by handshake

continuous tense

is drive-by handshaking

singular

drive-by handshake

positive degree

drive-by handshake

infinitive

to drive-by handshake

gerund

drive-by handshaking

participle

driving-by handshake

Origin and Evolution of drive-by handshake

First Known Use: 1990 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The term 'drive-by handshake' originated in the United States, likely as a humorous or sarcastic way to describe a brief and impersonal handshake done quickly, similar to a drive-by shooting.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'drive-by handshake' has become more widely used to describe any quick or perfunctory handshake, often in a casual or insincere manner.