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

Paramount’s special committee has discussed conditioning the deal on approval by a vote of a majority of minority shareholders.

From New York Times ● Apr. 29, 2024

This very morning," continued the Badger, taking an arm-chair, "as I learnt last night from a trustworthy source, another new and exceptionally powerful motor-car will arrive at Toad Hall on approval or return.

From The Wind in the Willows by Bransom, Paul

Related Words

• empirical
• preliminary
• unproved