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

This is why Aston Villa's Konsa is tipped to get the nod over Manchester City's Guehi against Croatia and goes a long way to explain the inclusion of the 6ft 7in Burn.

From BBC ● Jun. 16, 2026

He didn’t get the nod, but he is pleased that former Fed governor Kevin Warsh did.

From Barron's ● May 1, 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

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

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger