pat on the back
Praise, congratulations.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“She gave him a pat on the back for his hard work.”
“The manager stopped by everyone's desk to give a pat on the back after the project finished early.”
“In a rare moment of warmth, the stern professor offered a quiet pat on the back to the student who had struggled most.”
- 01
all the way to Egery and back
The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.
- 02
back down
To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.
- 03
back forty
The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.
- 04
back gammon player
A person, chiefly a homosexual, who has anal sex.
- 05
back in the game
Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.
- 06
back into
To advance to the post-season as a result of another team's loss, especially where one's own team has also lost.
- 07
back of one's hand
A display of disrespect or scorn.
- 08
back off
To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.
Last updated August 10, 2026