Pat on the back - 英语词汇详解

Meaning 1：praise (Pat on the back)

Pat on the back 🔊

/pæt ɒn ðə bæk/

idiom

To praise someone or show them approval for something they have done.

praise 🔊

➕

/praɪz/

idiom

To express approval or admiration for someone's achievement or effort.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

A metaphorical phrase from the physical act of patting someone's back, a gesture of approval.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a friendly pat after a job well done - that's the praise you remember.

📖 Example

After my son showed me the picture he drew, I gave him a pat on the back and told him how creative he was. 🔊 After my son showed me the picture he drew, I gave him a pat on the back and told him how creative he was.

🔗 Collocations

give someone a pat on the back – to praise someone

get a pat on the back – to receive praise

🔄 Synonyms

praise (verb) – to express warm approval or admiration

commend (verb) – to praise formally or officially

compliment (verb) – to express a compliment or praise

🚫 Antonyms

criticize (verb) – to indicate faults in a disapproving way

blame (verb) – to assign responsibility for a fault or wrong

🌱 Derivatives

back-patting (noun) – the act of praising oneself or another excessively

📖 Cultural Story

The idiom originated in early 20th century America, reflecting the common gesture of approval. It became a metaphorical expression for verbal praise, often used in workplace and family settings.