1 B1 idiomatic informal
To confirm or finalise an agreement, deal, or bet by shaking hands.
"We agreed on a price and shook on it right there in the car park."
inseparable
shake on it
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To confirm or seal an agreement by shaking hands with the other party.
In plain English
To shake someone's hand to show that you both agree on something.
What does "shake on it" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically shake your hand against someone else's hand as a physical representation of a mutual agreement.
Actually means
To shake someone's hand to show that you both agree on something.
Usage tip
The handshake is a traditional symbol of agreement, especially in business. 'Let's shake on it' is a very common set phrase. Note that 'it' is a fixed part of this expression — you do not say 'shake on the deal'.
Words that pair with "shake on it"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
deal agreement terms bet arrangement contract
How to conjugate "shake on it"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
shake on it
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shakes on it
he/she/it
Past simple
shook on it
yesterday
Past participle
shaken on it
have + pp
-ing form
shaking on it
continuous
Hear "shake on it" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "shake on it" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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