a pat on the back Definition

pat
verb patted, patting

1. To strike (a person or animal) lightly or affectionately with the palm of one's hand.

Thesaurus: tap, pet, stroke, touch, caress, fondle.
2. To shape something by striking it lightly with the palm or a flat instrument.

Example: pat it into shape

noun

1. A light blow, especially an affectionate one, with the palm of the hand.

Thesaurus: tap, touch, stroke, caress.
2. A round flat mass.

Thesaurus: piece, portion, dab, lump.

adverb

1. Especially of things said: immediately and fluently, as if memorized.

Example: Their answers came too pat

adj

1. Said of answers, etc: quickly and easily supplied.

Thesaurus: glib, automatic, neat, slick, easy, facile.

Idiom: have something off pat (know something off pat)

To have memorized it and know it perfectly.

Idiom: a pat on the back

An approving word or gesture.

Idiom: pat someone on the back

To congratulate them approvingly.

Idiom: stand pat

To stand firmly by one's opinion, decision, etc.

To decide to play one's hand as it is.

Etymology: 14c: probably imitating the sound it makes.