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

Though Ms. Redstone is eager to reach a deal, it hinges on approval from Paramount’s board, which has for weeks been weighing its options with the help of advisers.

From New York Times ● Apr. 3, 2024

And still hesitating, she had three that pleased her most sent home, "on approval," before she decided finally to purchase one of them.

From Marriage by H. G. (Herbert George) Wells

Related Words

• empirical
• preliminary
• unproved