gesture of trust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gesture of trust" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular action that conveys trust between two or more parties. For example, you could say: "His handshake was a gesture of trust that sealed the deal between us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The trilogy ends with a gesture of trust in the government.

The New Yorker

This is an extraordinary gesture of trust, for Wolfe was Perkins's greatest worry as well as the writer he loved the most.

The New York Times - Books

Opening your door is an intimate gesture, a gesture of trust, a gesture of generosity.

Forbes

When Salzman returns home, his formidable martial-arts teacher bequeaths him, in a symbolic gesture of trust, respect, and friendship, a long sword that is one of a pair.

Los Angeles Times

Perhaps this was a gesture of trust in the Disney acoustic, as if to say, "Haydn, in all his amazing detail, can now be heard, so let's get out of the way". The three main solo singers are part of the attraction.

Los Angeles Times

Similarly, closing your eyes, or a slow blink is a gesture of trust toward a cat, and lets them know you are not aggressive.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Many diplomats and officials in Kabul saw the cease-fire as a small gesture of trust-building at best, and warned that it was too early to pin too much hope on it as some of the most basic questions about a concrete peace process remained unresolved.

The New York Times

Once again, this world spiritual leader uses the words and gestures of faith and trust to resist the words and gestures of fear and hatred. .

Huffington Post

Tontines, ROSCAs and minority banks are gestures of faith and trust in a community, a reminder that sometimes our biggest strength is in one another.

Los Angeles Times

As Mr. Rubaie made his way through the crowd, I noticed he was holding hands with another Iraqi man, a traditional Arab gesture of friendship and trust.

The New York Times

In 2014, she decided that the sketchbooks should be seen and studied, and in an extraordinary gesture of generosity and trust, she gifted the entire collection along with bits and pieces of ephemera tucked inside several books to the Cantor Arts Center.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gesture of trust", ensure the action genuinely reflects a delegation of responsibility or reliance on another party. Overusing it for minor acts can dilute its impact.

Common error

Avoid assuming any action is automatically a "gesture of trust". Verify that the action entails real risk or vulnerability on the part of the trustor, not just a superficial courtesy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gesture of trust" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a specific action or behavior that conveys confidence and reliance. Ludwig provides several examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gesture of trust" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that indicates an action conveying confidence and reliance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability and provides examples across various contexts, primarily in news, media, and academic writing. While not exceptionally common, the phrase is used to emphasize the act of entrusting someone with responsibility or sensitive information. Related phrases include "act of faith" and "sign of confidence", each with slight nuances. When employing the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a real delegation of responsibility and avoid overusing it for trivial actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act of faith

Emphasizes the element of belief and confidence in the absence of complete evidence.

token of reliance

Highlights the dependence and confidence placed in someone or something.

sign of confidence

Focuses on the outward display of assurance and belief in another.

expression of faith

Highlights the communication of belief in someone's reliability.

demonstration of reliance

Underscores the active and visible display of depending on someone.

pledge of allegiance

Implies a formal declaration of loyalty and trust.

symbol of fidelity

Conveys a commitment and trustworthiness, often in a relationship context.

assurance of dependability

Highlights the guaranteed reliability and trustworthiness being communicated.

confirmation of reliance

Stresses the validation and support behind the act of trusting.

indication of good faith

Emphasizes honesty and sincerity behind the action.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "gesture of trust" in a sentence?

Use "gesture of trust" to describe a specific action that shows reliance and confidence in someone or something. For example, "Sharing company financials with employees was a significant "gesture of trust"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "gesture of trust"?

You can use alternatives like "act of faith", "sign of confidence", or "token of reliance" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between a "gesture of trust" and a "sign of respect"?

Yes, a "gesture of trust" implies reliance and confidence in someone's abilities or integrity, while a "sign of respect" shows admiration or deference. Though related, they convey different meanings; for example, giving someone access to sensitive data is a "gesture of trust" while acknowledging their accomplishments is a "sign of respect".

Can 'giving someone a key' always be considered a "gesture of trust"?

Not always. While giving someone a key can be a "gesture of trust", its significance depends on the context. Giving a key to a house sitter implies trust, whereas giving a key to a maintenance worker might simply be practical.