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

In terms of clubs listening to supporters, Lincoln City, newly promoted to the Championship, deserve a pat on the back for restoring a unique quirk to a matchday at what fans know as Sincil Bank. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

Ahead of opening arguments, Rinderknecht smoothed back his hair, and Haney helped adjust his tie before giving him a pat on the back. — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026

If your answer is yes, then give yourself a pat on the back. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 15 Apr. 2026

If your bracket survived even half of those, give yourself a pat on the back — and maybe buy a lottery ticket. — Ryan Brennan march 20, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026

Rhymes for a pat on the back

• intracardiac
• aback
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback