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The expression “pat on the back” has its roots in Western culture. It refers to a physical gesture of tapping someone’s shoulder as a way of congratulating them. However, in some cultures like Japan and Korea, touching others’ shoulders is considered inappropriate and may be perceived negatively.
Jan 1, 2020 · A slightly informal expression meaning ‘praise’ is a pat on the back. It’s used in various ways. For example, if someone has done something good, you might say they deserve a pat on the back or they should give themselves a pat on the back: The project has been a huge success. Everyone involved in it should give themselves a pat on the back!
praise somebody/yourself for something they/you have done well: I think we should pat James on the back for working so hard. ♢ I feel I can give myself a pat on the back for finishing everything on time.
Any shop that gives such a rapid response to a customer's complaint deserves a pat on the back. The industry can give itself a little pat on the back for the positive moves it has made to help towards its own recovery. Note: You can also say that one person pats another on the back, or that someone pats themselves on the back.
Dec 8, 2023 · A "pat on the back" is a gentle or moderate way of praising someone, while a "slap on the back" is a hearty or enthusiastic way of honoring someone. A "pat on the back" can also imply a subtle or discreet form of praise, while a "slap on the back" can mean a loud or public form of praise.
give (oneself or someone) a pat on the back. To give oneself or someone else praise or recognition for an achievement or a job well done. Treating his daughter to ice cream was Joe's way of giving her a pat on the back after she won first place in the science fair.
A pat is a quick and gentle touch using the hand. The idiom is often used with the verbs give or get (the past tense of these verbs are irregular: give/gave and get/got). This idiom does not mean that a person physically gives or receives a pat.
