pat on the back

• pat-on-the-back (noun)

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pat on the back (plural pats on the back)

1. (idiomatic) Praise, congratulations.

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

• back-pat

pat on the back (third-person singular simple present pats on the back, present participle patting on the back, simple past and past participle patted on the back)

1. (idiomatic, transitive) To praise or congratulate.

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

• back-pat