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A gentleman's agreement vs. A handshake deal... - Idiomatic/Legal English
4 years agoHello Verbling!
What would you say the difference between "a gentleman's agreement" and "a handshake deal" is? Is there a difference? Is one, or are both, legally binding?
In layman's terms, a handshake deal is an agreement between two (or more) parties to commit to an agreed-upon topic. It is a verbal commitment to a transaction. For it to be considered legally binding, someone needs to witness the agreement take place and there must be some sort of written follow-up confirming the details agreed upon.
Imagine if you were buying a new car: you discuss the terms and conditions with the salesman and tell him/her that you will be back later to finalise your purchase. You shake hands, in front of his/her colleague and leave the building. Later that day, the salesperson sends you an email confirming your discussion...
You have just committed to a handshake deal - the salesperson is aware of your intention to complete your purchase... pending further action, the transaction is as good as done.
But how does this differ from a gentleman's agreement?
A gentleman's agreement is not considered legally binding, but it is still good etiquette to follow through with it. The small difference between the two phrases is that a gentleman's agreement can be either oral; written or non-verbally agreed upon, through social norms and customs. It relies heavily on the honour of both parties - to commit to the previously determined criteria.
An example of a gentleman's agreement could be if two people own properties (perhaps farmland) next door to one another. They have lived as neighbours for many years and have an unspoken agreement allowing either to pass through another's property, perhaps to go fishing or horseriding, without needing permission each time. They have a gentleman's agreement with one another.
Which one do you use more in a given day? Both are quite interesting, don't you think? If you want to read more about either, feel free to click on the hyperlinked text above.
Have a lovely day.
Ari
