approval

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seal of approval

An indication of one's endorsement or authorization of something. Despite the wording, 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

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

References in classic literature ?

The messenger soon returned at the head of a long row of urchins, great and small, who, being confronted by the bachelor at the house door, fell into various convulsions of politeness; clutching their hats and caps, squeezing them into the smallest possible dimensions, and making all manner of bows and scrapes, which the little old gentleman contemplated with excessive satisfaction, and expressed his approval of by a great many nods and smiles.

View in context

Shionogi Obtains Extended Approval for Kapvay from FDA 49

Reportlinker Adds Global Pediatric Drugs and Vaccines Industry

Town Board members had in fact, on the record, told representatives of the developer that the Comprehensive Plan being discussed at the time would in no way affect them, and that approval for the project was an independent action that could be expected at its next meeting.

Developers suing town for blocking planned development

Here, the starting off point is a recent article by Nickelsburg and Norporth (2000), who employ quarterly foreign and economic policy approval series across a twenty-year period to investigate the comparative impacts of the two policy areas in the public mind on evaluations of the president.

The polls: policy-specific presidential approval, part 2

Most recent polling has the President's approval ratings dropping into the 60 percent range for the first time since before September 11.

Does George W. Bush's high popularity mean anything? (A Symposium Of Views)

2002-37, if a C corporation fulfills certain requirements, it will be presumed to have established a business purpose necessary to receive automatic approval to change its annual accounting period under Sec.

New procedures for changing accounting periods

Today, some voices question whether accelerated approval is necessary any more, since there are already 17 HIV antiviral drugs on the market.

Accelerated approval: where are we now? (Viewpoint)

Trial results affect the drug's approval and marketing, and can also have an immediate influence on the company's stock price.

FDA Gives Salvage Therapy Testing a Push Forward

The company also filed for approval from the IKS for the formulation of Nitroglycerin IV bags to be used in treating patients with heart disease.

SWISS IKS APPROVES FORMULATION OF METRONIDAZOLE IN IV BAGS

The average time it takes a drug company to develop and gain approval for a new drug has almost doubled over the past 30 years - from 8.

Prescription remedies

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association also has coverage criteria that extend beyond FDA approval.

Approval processes different for devices and drugs

PROOF-it-ONLINE's Team Track feature, which provides a method to post proofs online for various intermediaries who can then route the proofs on to their clients for final review and approval, was a key component in the selection process.

PROOF-it-ONLINE Selected by Apollo Press as Technology Partner to Support Printing Services for Major University/Healthcare Provider

A corporation that does not qualify for automatic approval may nevertheless qualify for expeditious approval of a year-end change.

Changing a corporation's tax year

The sale of these Atlas securities would normally require approval of the company's stockholders under the Shareholder Approval Policy of the New York Stock Exchange.

ATLAS CORP'S U.S. $50 MILLION EQUITY OFFERING TO CLOSE IN TWO TRANCHES

The Court agreed with the seller that the buyer was in breach of contract when it refused to go forward with the contract based on the seller's failure to secure subdivision approval.