nod (redirected from giving the nod)

*nod

Fig. someone's choice for a position or task. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) The manager is going to pick the new sales manager. I think Ann will get the nod. I had the nod for captain of the team, but I decided not to do it.

land of Nod

a state of sleep. (Humorous. From the fact that people sometimes nod when they are falling asleep.) The baby is in the land of Nod. Look at the clock! It's time we were all in the land of Nod.

See also: land

nod at someone

to make a motion to someone with one's head indicating a greeting, agreement, or something else. I nodded at Fred, but I really didn't agree. Molly nodded at Fred, and Fred, knowing she wanted to leave the party, went for their coats. When she offered him some ice cream, he only nodded. She thought he was rude and decided not to give him any.

nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse

Prov. You cannot get people to take a hint if they are determined not to. Jill: I keep hinting to the boss that I deserve a raise, but he doesn't seem to get the point. Jane: I'm not surprised. A nod's as good as a wink to a blind horse.

See also: blind, good, horse, wink

nod off

to fall asleep, usually while sitting up. Jack nodded off during the minister's sermon. Father always nods off after Sunday lunch.

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A nod's as good as a wink.  (British & Australian humorous)

something that you say when you have understood what was meant by something although it was not expressed in a direct way I know when I'm not wanted, so don't try to say anything more - a nod's as good as a wink.

See also: good, wink

be in the land of nod  (old-fashioned)

to be sleeping Joe's in the land of nod at last.

See also: land

give somebody the nod  (British & Australian informal)

to give someone permission to do something We're just waiting for the council to give us the nod then we'll start building. (British & Australian informal)

See also: give

on the nod  (British & Australian informal)

if a suggestion is agreed to on the nod, it is accepted without discussion The Stock Exchange clearly hopes these proposals will go through on the nod.

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get the nod

to be approved or chosen for something Martinez got the nod from the manager to be the starting pitcher in tomorrow's game.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of nod (to move your head)

See also: get

nod off

to go to sleep, esp. when not in bed or intending to sleep I nodded off once or twice during the movie.