pat on

pat (someone or something) on (something or some place)

To tap someone or something on a particular spot gently with something flat, usually one's hand. He patted me on the shoulder when it was my turn to go. He patted his car on the hood with the book he was holding to show me how sturdy the old thing was, and the bumper ended up falling off.
See also: on, pat
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

pat someone or something on something

to tap someone or something on a particular place with the open hand. She patted the child on the bottom. I patted the car on its hood to show how proud I was of it.
See also: on, pat
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • a crack at (someone or something)
  • (you) wanna make something of it?
  • all for the best
  • (someone or something) promises well
  • a bird in hand
  • a bird in the hand
  • a/the feel of (something)
  • (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
  • (have) got something going (with someone)
  • a straw will show which way the wind blows