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]

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Example Sentences

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

From MarketWatch

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

From Barron's

Of course, it's different when you have Gabriel scoring loads of goals from set-pieces, but you do your job and then you get your pat on the back when you start to create history with your clean sheets.

From BBC

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

From BBC

They deserve a huge pat on the back for that.

From Los Angeles Times