on approval

Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

The company also said they it continues to make progress on approval in China, which analysts said it will help the autonomous driving technology further developed in the country.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

GSK’s stock initially rose 2.9% on approval news but fell 5% the next day as investors assessed the limited scope of the approval.

From Barron's • Oct. 24, 2025

They’re waiting on approval from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2025

Working with rocket firm HyImpulse they intend to begin sub-orbital launches next year, and are currently waiting on approval from the Civil Aviation Authority to launch rockets out of the earth's atmosphere and into orbit.

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2023

I wanted to have some articles sent on approval to meet me at Liverpool, but hesitated to ask the old man in the shop to take such a risk without knowing me.

From Memoirs of an American Prima Donna by Kellogg, Clara Louise

Related Words

• empirical
• preliminary
• unproved