Idiom: a pat on the back

Meaning

Idiom: a pat on the back

praise or approval for doing something good

Notes: What's a pat? A pat is a quick and gentle touch using the hand. The idiom is often used with the verbs give or get (the past tense of these verbs are irregular: give/gave and get/got).

This idiom does not mean that a person physically gives or receives a pat. It's merely the idea of praising or recognizing someone for doing something good.

Example sentences

— Don’t expect a pat on the back every time you do something right.

— I got a nice pat on the back for the newsletter article I wrote.

— Everyone should give themselves a pat on the back for a job well done.

— My mom always gives my dad a pat on the back whenever he does any housework.

— I was hoping for a promotion but all I got was a pat on the back.

— These days I'm nervous to give the girls on my team any hugs so I just give them a pat on the back when anyone scores a goal.

— My parents never gave me any praise, not even a pat on the back when I was valedictorian of my high school.

— I was expecting a shout out or a pat on the back but no one recognized it was my connection that helped us get this million dollar contract.

— I was psyched to get a pat on the back for my work on the project. I worked overtime every day last week on it.

— I think you deserved more than a pat on the back for donating your van to the school.

Synonyms

pat on the head
word of praise

Idiom: a pat on the back

Meaning

Example sentences

Synonyms

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