on approval

Idioms  

1. To be returned if not satisfactory, as in They're offering custom-made shoes, manufactured from a computer design, on approval. This expression, applied nearly always to the purchase of goods, was first recorded in 1870.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

on approval

The settlement is contingent on approval from the Surface Transportation Board, which paused its review of the pending merger in May.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026

GSK’s stock initially rose 2.9% on approval news but fell 5% the next day as investors assessed the limited scope of the approval.

From Barron's ● Oct. 24, 2025

They’re waiting on approval from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 4, 2025

Moreover, given their arbitrary nature, their rules on approval, control and sanctions must be held to be unjustified restrictions on the freedom to provide services.

From BBC ● Dec. 21, 2023

Stamps sent on approval to responsible parties who send references.

From The Youth's Companion Volume LII, Number 11, Thursday, March 13, 1879 by Various

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Related Words

• empirical
• preliminary
• unproved

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