give (oneself or someone) a pat on the back

give (oneself or someone) a pat on the back

To give oneself or someone else praise 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. The only reason she stays late at work is to give herself a pat on the back in front of her co-workers.

See also: back, give, on, pat

give somebody/yourself a ˌpat on the ˈback

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pat somebody/yourself on the ˈback (for doing something)

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.

See also: back, give, on, pat, somebody