firm handshake
Strong palm clasp
A firm handshake is a greeting where hands clasp with confident pressure—not limp, not crushing.
It's often cited as a marker of character, confidence, or trustworthiness: My father always said a firm handshake makes a good first impression.
The advice is so common it has become cliché, though expectations vary across cultures.
- gripSecure manual hold
- strongHaving great physical power
- confidentSure of oneself
- professionalCredentialed in one's field
- first impressionInstant assessment of someone
introduction · palm · squeeze · meeting · business · assertive · power · power move · clasp · greeting · eye contact · fingers · trustworthy · dominant · sweaty · dead fish · tight · respect
- handshakeslimp handshake, dead fish, wet fish, double pump, bone crusher
- Impression managementself-presentation, first impression, body language, eye contact, dress code
- gesturesgesture, applause, tap on shoulder, snap fingers, beckon
- greetingshi, hello, hey, hola, aloha
- workplace etiquetteemail etiquette, punctuality, handshakes, greetings, introductions
- impressionfirst impression, appearance, image, presence, demeanor