on approval

Related to on approval: Approval voting

on approval

Of consumer goods, subject to the customer's examination and satisfaction, with the ability to be returned if failing to meet expectations. Make sure you only purchase items on approval when ordering online. That way, if they don't match up to what you ordered or are defective, you can at least return them and get a refund.
See also: approval, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

on approval

for examination, with the privilege of return. I ordered the merchandise on approval so I could send it back if I didn't like it. Sorry, you can't buy this on approval. All sales are final.
See also: approval, on
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

on approval

To be returned if not satisfactory, as in They're offering custom-made shoes, manufactured from a computer design, on approval. This expression, applied nearly always to the purchase of goods, was first recorded in 1870.
See also: approval, on
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

on apˈproval

(of goods) not paid for and to be returned, usually within a few days, if the customer decides not to buy them: I’ve got it on seven days approval, so if you don’t like it I can take it back.
See also: approval, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

on approval

For examination or trial by a customer without the obligation to buy: took the dress on approval.
See also: approval, on
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • peek in on (someone or something)
  • underpromise and overdeliver
  • feel a glow of satisfaction
  • put on an act
  • checkup
  • put (one) through (one's) paces
  • go/fly off at a tangent
  • fly off at a tangent
  • we aim to please
  • go off at a tangent