vote of confidence

[ voht uhv kon-fi-duhns ]

noun

1. 1. (in a legislative or similar body) a formal vote, especially after the introduction of a crucial and controversial piece of policy, to determine whether the majority of members are still prepared to allow the party or person in power to continue governing:

      The Opposition called for a vote of confidence in parliament yesterday.

      With the Tory Party deeply divided, the PM lost a vote of confidence on his Irish policy and had to resign.

   2. a favorable outcome of such a vote for the person or party in power:

      The Knesset gave a slim vote of confidence to the eight-party coalition government.

2. any formal vote in favor of a person or party already in power, a policy or program, etc.:

   Despite record low turnout, he called the election result a vote of confidence for his party.

3. any expression of support:

   Your subscription to our magazine is a vote of confidence for our advocacy work.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vote of confidence¹

First recorded in 1730–40