get the nod

Idioms  

1. Receive approval or assent, as in, The contestant got the nod from the judges. Similarly give the nod means “to show approval or assent.” These expressions allude to the quick inclination of the head to indicate approval. [First half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

get the nod

When the congresswoman told O’Handley that Vance would get the nod instead, he placed a winning bet on Polymarket, the person said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 18, 2026

That is another sub-plot to the selection situation, and there is no obvious answer to who will get the nod.

From BBC ● Jun. 11, 2026

The index isn’t just a compilation of the largest U.S. companies, and the largest eligible candidates don’t always get the nod when it’s time to make changes.

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 6, 2026

His inclusion meant disappointment for Matt Renshaw, who had been tipped to get the nod as Konstas has struggled for form.

From Barron's ● Nov. 5, 2025

The day before our first game, Coach announces the starting lineup, and I get the nod at point guard.

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick