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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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 18 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share