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Synonyms

pat on the back

Idioms  

  1. A word or gesture of support, approval, or praise, as in The bonus she gave her assistant was a pat on the back for doing a good job. [Early 1800s]

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.

Reassurance, a well-deserved pat on the back, best wishes for good health and one piece of your favorite candy.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 29, 2026

"I give myself a little pat on the back for that."

From Barron's • Jan. 24, 2026

On climate change, California deserves a big pat on the back for at least acknowledging the crisis and responding with big ideas.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2025

Duckett consoled Bethell with a pat on the back as he walked off.

From BBC • Dec. 7, 2024

I’m sure she means well, but between her bio and this message, she’s hammering me with nails instead of giving me the pat on the back I was hoping for.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.