a pat on the back
noun phrase
informal
: a show of praise or approval
You all deserve a pat on the back for making this possible.
You did a great job, so give yourself a pat on the back.
Examples of a pat on the back in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One of those blocks earned a pat on the back from Nikola Jokic, who was sidelined in street clothes when Watson rejected a corner 3-point attempt next to the home bench.
—
Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 25 Mar. 2025
Then, Vin Diesel stops Brody for a handshake and, as Brody inches closer to the bar at the center of the room, Jon Hamm gives him a pat on the back.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 3 Mar. 2025
As for his camera skills, Crouser gave himself a pat on the back.
—Ryan Morik, Fox News, 3 Feb. 2025
Does that mean Texas lived up to expectations and Sark deserves a pat on the back?
—Manny Navarro, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
Bush was also notably chummy with his successor, offering Obama a belly tap while heading to his pew at the National Cathedral and receiving a pat on the back in return.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 10 Jan. 2025
The objective here is to take a hard look at the reality of your business, not simply to give yourself a pat on the back.
—Allbusiness, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
Increase brand awareness Everybody loves a good news story, and business awards are more than just a pat on the back for a job well done.
—Fiona Simpson, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
Everyone enjoys a pat on the back for a job well done.
—Jason Leverant, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
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Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 25 Mar. 2025
Then, Vin Diesel stops Brody for a handshake and, as Brody inches closer to the bar at the center of the room, Jon Hamm gives him a pat on the back.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 3 Mar. 2025
As for his camera skills, Crouser gave himself a pat on the back.
—Ryan Morik, Fox News, 3 Feb. 2025
Does that mean Texas lived up to expectations and Sark deserves a pat on the back?
—Manny Navarro, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
Bush was also notably chummy with his successor, offering Obama a belly tap while heading to his pew at the National Cathedral and receiving a pat on the back in return.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 10 Jan. 2025
The objective here is to take a hard look at the reality of your business, not simply to give yourself a pat on the back.
—Allbusiness, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
Increase brand awareness Everybody loves a good news story, and business awards are more than just a pat on the back for a job well done.
—Fiona Simpson, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
Everyone enjoys a pat on the back for a job well done.
—Jason Leverant, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
Cite this Entry
“A pat on the back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20pat%20on%20the%20back. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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