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.