approval

seal of approval

An indication of endorsement or authorization of something. The phrase does not typically refer to a physical seal. No, you can't start that construction project until the boss gives it his seal of approval.

See also: approval, of, seal

on approval

Of consumer goods, subject to the customer's examination and satisfaction, with the ability to be returned if failing to meet expectations. Make sure you only purchase items on approval when ordering online. That way, if they don't match up to what you ordered or are defective, you can at least return them and get a refund.

See also: approval, on

on approval

for examination, with the privilege of return. I ordered the merchandise on approval so I could send it back if I didn't like it. Sorry, you can't buy this on approval. All sales are final.

See also: approval, on

on approval

To be returned if not satisfactory, as in They're offering custom-made shoes, manufactured from a computer design, on approval. This expression, applied nearly always to the purchase of goods, was first recorded in 1870.

See also: approval, on

seal of approval

An endorsement of something or someone, as in Our candidate doesn't have the governor's seal of approval, or The new management gave the old refund policy their seal of approval. This idiom was used, and perhaps invented, as an advertising gimmick of Good Housekeeping Magazine, which gave its so-called "seal of approval" to products it endorsed; the products' packaging in turn bore a small emblem attesting to this endorsement. The noun seal here is used in the same sense as in set one's seal on.

See also: approval, of, seal

seal (or stamp) of approval

an indication or statement that something is accepted or regarded favourably.

This expression stems from the practice of putting a stamp (or formerly a seal) on official documents.

See also: approval, of, seal

on apˈproval

(of goods) not paid for and to be returned, usually within a few days, if the customer decides not to buy them: I’ve got it on seven days approval, so if you don’t like it I can take it back.

See also: approval, on

a ˌseal of apˈproval

the formal support or approval of a person or an organization: Our project has the director’s seal of approval.

See also: approval, of, seal

on approval

For examination or trial by a customer without the obligation to buy: took the dress on approval.

See also: approval, on