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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

"I'll just keep enjoying the ride, if I get the nod I'll play and if not then I'll give water to the boys."

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

Sajid recovered from viral flu to get the nod while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali will lead the pace attack.

From Barron's • Oct. 12, 2025

They take turns guessing who else will get the nod.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2025

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

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger

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