What does pat-on-the-back mean?
Pat-on-the-back means Alternative form of pat on the back..
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Pronunciation varies by accent · noun
Alternative form of pat on the back..
"A self-congratulatory apparatus having a simulated human hand carried on a pivoting arm suspended form shoulder supported member. The hand is manually swingable into and out of contact with the user's back to give an amusing or an important pat-on-the-back." (Abstract of U.S. patent 4,608,967 issued on September 2, 1986 http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/biblio?FT=D&CC=US&NR=4608967A)
Use pat-on-the-back when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.
Pat-on-the-back means Alternative form of pat on the back..
The closest synonym depends on the sentence and intended sense.
The opposite depends on the specific sense.
"A self-congratulatory apparatus having a simulated human hand carried on a pivoting arm suspended form shoulder supported member. The hand is manually swingable into and out of contact with the user's back to give an amusing or an important pat-on-the-back." (Abstract of U.S. patent 4,608,967 issued on September 2, 1986 http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/biblio?FT=D&CC=US&NR=4608967A)
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