seal of approval

seal of approval

An indication of endorsement or authorization of something. The phrase does not typically refer to a physical seal. No, you can't start that construction project until the boss gives it his seal of approval.
See also: approval, of, seal
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

seal of approval

An endorsement of something or someone, as in Our candidate doesn't have the governor's seal of approval, or The new management gave the old refund policy their seal of approval. This idiom was used, and perhaps invented, as an advertising gimmick of Good Housekeeping Magazine, which gave its so-called "seal of approval" to products it endorsed; the products' packaging in turn bore a small emblem attesting to this endorsement. The noun seal here is used in the same sense as in set one's seal on.
See also: approval, of, seal
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

seal (or stamp) of approval

an indication or statement that something is accepted or regarded favourably.
This expression stems from the practice of putting a stamp (or formerly a seal) on official documents.
See also: approval, of, seal
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

a ˌseal of apˈproval

the formal support or approval of a person or an organization: Our project has the director’s seal of approval.
See also: approval, of, seal
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a seal of approval
  • eggs is eggs
  • one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind
  • (as) sure as eggs (is eggs)
  • lex dubia non obligat
  • phrase
  • a penny for them
  • (one's) best foot forward
  • best foot forward
References in periodicals archive
The Seal of Approval Service Provider code of conduct requires certified service providers to uphold a high standard of accountability, responsibility and customer-oriented service.
Local Johnson County Business Earns Distinction as a Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval Service Provider
That said, it's no penalty kick with Seal Of Approval and Venus De Milo in there.
Approval out to seal deal for Fanshawe
To receive the seal of approval, products have to meet the Premium Body Care Standard, which requires that they not contain such ingredients as parabens, polypropylene and polyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl and sodium laureth sulfates.
Whole Foods sets bar in natural personal care
Seal of approval: The Princess Royal at the European Bioenergy Research Institute at Harper Adams University College.
ROYAL VISIT TO UNI'S GREEN ENERGY PLANT
Baxters Sweet Chilli Jelly also received the golden seal of approval as did several of Baxters' Simply Delicious range including Organic Tartare Sauce, Organic Garlic Mayonnaise, Organic Horseradish Sauce, and Organic Plain Mayonnaise.
Taste of success for Baxters
"It's like when you have the Good Housekeeping seal of approval," said Dr.
Surprise! Vatican signs deal to collaborate with NY company on adult stem cell research
This update of their flagship in-ear buds takes things up a notch and have the Apple seal of approval, licensed to be sold within the iPhone maker's stores.
Stand out proud with super sound; Gadgets
DAVID Hasselhoff's daughter Hayley has given his new Welsh girlfriend her seal of approval. The Britain's Got Talent judge has been seeing Merthyr shop girl Hayley Roberts and the former Baywatch star's daughter said: "Hayley is lovely.
DAVID Hasselhoff's daughter Hayley has [...]
AS Liverpool St Helens prepare for the visit of unbeaten North One West leaders Burnage to Moss Lane this Saturday the club is celebrating the award of the RFU's prestigious Whole Club Seal of Approval accreditation.
LSH seal top award as home record hangs in the balance
Summary: Prince Charles has given legendary music festival Glastonbury the royal seal of approval after appearing there.
Prince Charles visits Glastonbury
<![CDATA[ David Bedein, bureau chief of the Israel Resource News Agency: "When Peres Center gives a seal of approval to an organization -- it looks kosher"]]>
Journalist: Peres Center Gives Anti-Israel NGOs Legitimacy
In the form of a winning idea if I ever saw one, the American Pistolsmiths Guild has formed a way to offer a "Seal of Approval" for products and services in our industry.
Guild approves
The AGA, which issued a coveted seal of approval, was slated to require all ranges to switch to the new automatic oven ignition in order to obtain the seal.
A look back
The issue about eucharistic inclusion should not be about rules well kept or beliefs that merit the magisterial seal of approval. It should be about a gnawing hunger in the soul, about a deep desire to be part of the great human family that comes together to pray, to sing, to weep, to grieve, to remember that not one of us is so worthy as to judge others, and to be nourished in the experience.
All are welcomed
The much-delayed Airbus A380 superjumbo - the world's biggest passenger plane - was yesterday given a double seal of approval by aviation chiefs.
Airbus jumbo wins approval