pat on back
Wordless job-well-done gesture
A pat on back is a gesture of encouragement, congratulation, or approval—literally a light touch between the shoulder blades, figuratively any acknowledgment of good work.
To give yourself a pat on the back is to feel pleased with your own accomplishment.
The phrase often carries a slightly dismissive edge, suggesting the recognition is token or insufficient: All we got was a pat on the back and a thank-you email.
- congratulationsExpression of praise for achievement
- praiseExpression of approval
- good jobApproval for effort
- way to goExclamation praising accomplishment
- encouragementSupport spurring continued effort
approval · stamp of approval · recognition · well-done · kudos · attaboy · atta girl · bravo · gold star · shoulder · gesture · high five · comfort · reassurance · acknowledgment · support · affirmation · reward
- social interactionshello, goodbye, talk, nod, chat
- affectionhug, kiss, care, cuddle, caress
- encouragementencourage, encouraging, praises, hang in there, supports
- praiselauding, compliments, laudation, accolades, great job
- touchestouch, tap, rub, stroke, caress
- kind gestureshandshake, apology, hug, helping hand, gift
pat on backcriticism
Judgment of faults
rebuke · reprimand · dressing-down · tongue-lashing · condemnation
pat on backslap in the face
Humiliating rebuke or rejection
punch · shove · kick · stab in the back · push away
pat, back, pats, patted, patting, backs, backed, backing, backer