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

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

In the end, Hassett didn’t get the nod for Fed chair.

From Barron's ● Feb. 27, 2026

Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong get the nod in the front row.

From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2025

Mary Jane nodded, but Eloise didn’t look over to get the nod.

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger