glad hand

noun, Informal.
1.
a hearty welcome or enthusiastic reception, especially one that is effusive or hypocritical:
Visiting dignitaries were being given the glad hand.
Origin
1890-95

glad-hand

[glad-hand] /ˈglædˌhænd/
verb (used with object)
1.
to greet warmly.
2.
to greet in an insincerely effusive manner.
verb (used without object)
3.
to greet others with enthusiasm, especially feigned enthusiasm:
The candidate spent weeks glad-handing around the state.
Origin
1900-05
Related forms
glad-hander, noun
Examples from the web for glad hand
  • Check glad hand seals and connect tractor emergency air line to trailer emergency glad hand.
  • Help us to be a people of joy that is not cosmetic of a forced smile, the perfunctory glad hand or professional glad work.
British Dictionary definitions for glad hand

glad hand

noun
1.
  1. a welcoming hand
  2. a welcome
verb
2.
(transitive) to welcome by or as if by offering a hand
Word Origin and History for glad hand
n.

1895, in verbal phrase to give the glad hand "extend a welcome." As a verb, attested from 1903 (also gladhand). Often used cynically.

Slang definitions & phrases for glad hand

glad-hand

modifier

Effusive and warm; cordial: He gave me that glad-hand business

verb

: After glad-handing the local dignitaries, he heads for the fence (1903+)

Related Terms

give someone the glad hand


Idioms and Phrases with glad hand

glad hand

A warm and hearty but often insincere welcome or greeting, as in Politicians are apt to give the glad hand to one and all. [ ; late 1800s ]