pat\ on\ the\ back

pat\ on\ the\ back
I. v. phr.
1. To clap lightly on the back in support, encouragement, or praise.

The coach patted the player on the back and said a few encouraging words.

2. To make your support or encouragement for (someone) felt; praise.

After he won the game, everyone patted him on the back for days.

II. n. phr.
1. An encouraging tap of the hand on someone's back; a show of sympathy or support.

I gave her a pat on the back and told her she had done fine work.

2. A word or gesture of praise or other encouragement; applause.

Pats on the back weren't enough; he wanted hard cash.


Словарь американских идиом. — СПб., Изд-во "Лань". . 1997.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • pat on the back(2) — {n. phr.} 1. An encouraging tap of the hand on someone s back; a show of sympathy or support. * /I gave her a pat on the back and told her she had done fine work./ 2. A word or gesture of praise or other encouragement; applause. * /Pats on the… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • pat on the back(2) — {n. phr.} 1. An encouraging tap of the hand on someone s back; a show of sympathy or support. * /I gave her a pat on the back and told her she had done fine work./ 2. A word or gesture of praise or other encouragement; applause. * /Pats on the… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • pat on the back — noun praise; congratulations Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done …   Wiktionary

  • pat on the back(1) — {v. phr.} 1. To clap lightly on the back in support, encouragement, or praise. * /The coach patted the player on the back and said a few encouraging words./ 2. To make your support or encouragement for (someone) felt; praise. * /After he won the… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • pat on the back(1) — {v. phr.} 1. To clap lightly on the back in support, encouragement, or praise. * /The coach patted the player on the back and said a few encouraging words./ 2. To make your support or encouragement for (someone) felt; praise. * /After he won the… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • pat on the back — phrasal an expression of approval …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • on the back — See: PAT ON THE BACK …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • on the back — See: PAT ON THE BACK …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • pat — pat1 /pat/, v., patted, patting, n. v.t. 1. to strike lightly or gently with something flat, as with a paddle or the palm of the hand, usually in order to flatten, smooth, or shape: to pat dough into flat pastry forms. 2. to stroke or tap gently… …   Universalium

  • back — back1 backless, adj. /bak/, n. 1. the rear part of the human body, extending from the neck to the lower end of the spine. 2. the part of the body of animals corresponding to the human back. 3. the rear portion of any part of the body: the back of …   Universalium

  • back — See: BACK OF or IN BACK OF, BEHIND ONE S BACK, BRUSH BACK, COME BACK, CUT BACK, DOUBLE BACK, DRAW BACK, DROP BACK. EYES IN THE BACK OF ONE S HEAD, FADE BACK, FALL BACK, FALL BACK ON, FLANKER BACK. FROM WAY BACK, GET BACK AT, GET ONE S BACK UP,… …   Dictionary of American idioms

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