get the nod

Idioms

Receive approval or assent, as in, The contestant got the nod from the judges. Similarly give the nod means “to show approval or assent.” These expressions allude to the quick inclination of the head to indicate approval. [First half of 1900s]

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.

"I'll just keep enjoying the ride, if I get the nod I'll play and if not then I'll give water to the boys."

From BBC

In the end, Hassett didn’t get the nod for Fed chair.

From Barron's

It is a minor detail for Armella, a background actor in the crime series "High Potential" who is as excited to get the nod as a movie star receiving an Academy Award.

From Barron's

"I'm so used to seeing it I've just learned to focus on my game. Fingers crossed to get the nod for the first Test, but all the trust is in those guys and I respect the decision they make."

From BBC

His inclusion meant disappointment for Matt Renshaw, who had been tipped to get the nod as Konstas has struggled for form.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023