pat

Universal Words verb, noun, adjective, adverb verb (-tt-) to touch sb/sth gently several times with your hand flat, especially as a sign of affection: [VN] She patted the dog on the head. * He patted his sister's hand consolingly. * [VN-ADJ] Pat your face dry with a soft towel. IDIOMS pat sb / yourself on the back to praise sb or yourself for doing sth well noun 1 a gentle friendly touch with your open hand or with a flat object: a pat on the head * He gave her knee an affectionate pat. 2 ~ of butter a small, soft, flat lump of butter: baked potatoes with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of paprika seealsoCOWPAT IDIOMS a pat on the back (for sth / for doing sth) praise or approval for sth that you have done well: He deserves a pat on the back for all his hard work. * Give yourself a pat on the back! adjective (usually disapproving) (of an answer, a comment, etc.) too quick, easy or simple; not seeming natural or realistic SYNGLIB: The ending of the novel is a little too pat to be convincing. * There are no pat answers to these questions. adverb IDIOMS have / know sth off pat (BrE) (AmE have / know sth down pat) to know sth perfectly so that you can repeat it at any time without having to think about it: He had all the answers off pat. stand pat (especially AmE) to refuse to change your mind about a decision you have made or an opinion you have