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 — pat (someone) on the back a pat on the back if you give someone a pat on the back, you praise them for something good that they have done. Too many people are patting the players on the back and telling them how great they are …   New idioms dictionary

  • pat on the back — phrasal : applaud, approve, encourage made speeches to him, patted him on the back, told him what a priceless fellow he was H.A.Overstreet * * * pat on the back A mark of encouragement or approbation • • • Main Entry: ↑pat * * …   Useful english dictionary

  • 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 — praise, a compliment, tip of the hat    Chaya s compliment was like a pat on the back. She praised my work …   English idioms

  • pat on the back — praise He gave me a pat on the back after I finished the project …   Idioms and examples

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

  • pat on the back —  Support; to encourage.  ► “Unfortunately, not everyone knows what constitutes recognition, or what, if any, awards should accompany that pat on the back.” (Incentive, March 1995, p. 62) …   American business jargon

  • 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

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