COMMON If you give someone a pat on the back, you praise them for something they have done. Any shop that gives such a rapid response to a customer's complaint deserves a pat on the back. The industry can give itself a little pat on the back for the positive moves it has made to help towards its own recovery. Note: You can also say that one person pats another on the back, or that someone pats themselves on the back. I thought the editor would pat me on the back and say, `Well done!' Instead he fired me. Today is a good day to pat yourself on the back for bravery and effort.