Learn 20 Interesting Approval Expressions

These expressions are used to show support, endorsement, or admiration. Here are 20 idioms and phrasal verbs that express approval.

Approval Expressions

1. Give the green light
   Meaning: Approve or allow
   Example: The manager gave us the green light to proceed.
2. Give a thumbs-up
   Meaning: Approve, usually with a gesture
   Example: The director gave the new proposal a thumbs-up.
3. Pat on the back
   Meaning: Praise or recognition
   Example: He got a pat on the back for his hard work.
4. Put one’s stamp of approval on
   Meaning: Give formal approval
   Example: The CEO put his stamp of approval on the project.
5. Sing someone’s praises
   Meaning: Praise enthusiastically
   Example: The teacher sang her student’s praises to everyone.
6. Give the nod
   Meaning: Approve or consent
   Example: The committee gave the nod to the proposal.
7. Seal of approval
   Meaning: Official endorsement or acceptance
   Example: The plan received the boss’s seal of approval.
8. Give the go-ahead
   Meaning: Give permission to start
   Example: The director gave the go-ahead to launch.
9. Take one’s hat off to
   Meaning: Admire or respect
   Example: I take my hat off to all healthcare workers.
10. Sign off on
    Meaning: Approve or authorize
    Example: The principal signed off on the field trip.
11. Give props to
    Meaning: Acknowledge and praise
    Example: You have to give props to the team.
12. Look up to
    Meaning: Admire or respect greatly
    Example: The students look up to their mentor.
13. Shout out
    Meaning: Publicly acknowledge or commend
    Example: I’d like to give a shout out to my team.
14. Tip one’s hat to
    Meaning: Show respect or admiration
    Example: I tip my hat to the volunteers.
15. Speak highly of
    Meaning: Praise or commend
    Example: He always speaks highly of his colleagues.
16. Give credit where credit is due
    Meaning: Praise when deserved
    Example: Let’s give credit where credit is due.
17. In someone’s good books
    Meaning: Approved or liked by someone
    Example: She worked hard to stay in the boss’s good books.
18. On the same page
    Meaning: In agreement or alignment
    Example: The team is on the same page about the project.
19. Thumbs up
    Meaning: Approval or agreement
    Example: The committee gave a thumbs up to the proposal.
20. In full accord
    Meaning: Fully agree or approve
    Example: The board is in full accord with the decision.