Phrase guide

pat on the back

noun · verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

Praise, congratulations.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To praise or congratulate.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • Don't pat yourself on the back so vigorously; you might hurt yourself.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Spanish: espaldarazo — Translations
  • Finnish: taputtaa selkään — to praise or congratulate
  • Italian: pacca sulla spalla — to praise or congratulate
  • Russian: гла́дить по голо́вке (gláditʹ po golóvke) — to praise or congratulate
  • Spanish: alabar — to praise or congratulate