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 company also said they it continues to make progress on approval in China, which analysts said it will help the autonomous driving technology further developed in the country.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 23, 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

Working with rocket firm HyImpulse they intend to begin sub-orbital launches next year, and are currently waiting on approval from the Civil Aviation Authority to launch rockets out of the earth's atmosphere and into orbit.

From BBC ● Dec. 13, 2023

During their first week, at least, the new girls must be on approval before they settled into the places which they would eventually occupy.

From The Jolliest Term on Record A Story of School Life by Brazil, Angela

Related Words

• empirical
• preliminary
• unproved