Synonyms

pat on the back

Idioms

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.

See Examples For:

pat on the back

Ahead of the opening arguments, Rinderknecht smoothed back his hair and his lawyer helped adjust his tie, before giving him a pat on the back.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 10, 2026

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

"She's coming on the stage with me, and I'll give her a little pat on the back."

From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2025

He could barely get through a mutual pat on the back.

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely

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