pat on the head
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They got a nice pat on the head in the preseason AP poll—No. 20.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2025
The skipper was afforded a standing ovation when he was replaced by Phil Foden with six minutes to go, and was given a pat on the head by Guardiola after coming off.
From BBC ● May 2, 2025
Then she realizes that just to get a pat on the head, and "This is for the experience. It's not actually for money."
From Salon ● Sep. 30, 2023
“I was favor-trading with people who were causing real-world harm so I could get a pat on the head from some client who wanted self-serving scuttlebutt fed to the rubes,” he writes of his career.
From New York Times ● Jun. 29, 2022
“Good girl! You deserve to go, and I’m sure you will some day,” said Aunt March, with an approving pat on the head, as Amy picked up her ball for her.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
