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get the nod

Idioms

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]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

It is a minor detail for Armella, a background actor in the crime series "High Potential" who is as excited to get the nod as a movie star receiving an Academy Award.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

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

From BBC • Jul. 7, 2025

He’ll likely get the nod Sunday because midfielder Josh Atencio is unavailable due to a hamstring injury he suffered in Seattle’s midweek U.S.

From Seattle Times • May 11, 2024

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

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023