pat on the back
Related to pat on the back: not to mention, in the first place
pat (one) on the back
To praise one. Treating his daughter to ice cream was Joe's way of giving patting her on the back after she won first place in the science fair. The only reason he stays late at work is so the boss will pat him on the back.
See also: back, on, pat
pat on the back
Praise given to a person for an achievement or a job well done. Treating his daughter to ice cream was Joe's way of giving her a pat on the back after she won first place in the science fair. The only reason she stays late at work is to receive a pat on the back from her boss.
See also: back, on, pat
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
pat someone on the back
and give someone a pat on the back1. Lit. to pat someone's back to show praise. The coach patted each player on the back after the game.
2. Fig. to praise someone for something. The teacher patted all the students on the back for their good work. They were patting themselves on the back for winning when the final whistle blew.
See also: back, on, pat
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
pat on the back
A word or gesture of support, approval, or praise, as in The bonus she gave her assistant was a pat on the back for doing a good job. [Early 1800s]
See also: back, on, pat
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
a pat on the back
COMMON If you give someone a pat on the back, you praise them for something they have done. Any shop that gives such a rapid response to a customer's complaint deserves a pat on the back. The industry can give itself a little pat on the back for the positive moves it has made to help towards its own recovery. Note: You can also say that one person pats another on the back, or that someone pats themselves on the back. I thought the editor would pat me on the back and say, `Well done!' Instead he fired me. Today is a good day to pat yourself on the back for bravery and effort.
See also: back, on, pat
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
pat on the back
An expression or gesture of praise or approval: Let's give them a pat on the back for doing a good job.
See also: back, on, pat
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- pat (one) on the back
- pat someone on the back
- a pat on the back
- give (oneself or someone) a pat on the back
- give somebody/yourself a pat on the back
- pay (one) back in (one's) own coin
- pay someone back in their own coin
- a word of praise is equal to ointment on a sore
- ointment
- mutual admiration society