Collocations for "pat"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "pat" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2025
pat
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.n
- gave him a pat on the back
- give yourself a pat on the back
- you deserve a pat on the back
- a friendly pat on the [arm, hand, shoulder]
- gave the [dog, child] a pat on the head
- gave the [dog] a pat
- [put, melted] a pat of butter on top
- a [small, melted] pat of butter
- informal: have it down pat in [two days, four hours]
- patted him on the [shoulder, back, elbow]
- pat yourself on the back (for)
- patted [the dog, his son] on the head
- patted her [head, baby's hair, child's back]
- patted down her hair
- patted her hair down
- pat the [earth, soil, layers] down
- pat the [dough, layers, pastry]
- (there are no) pat [answers, solutions] (to)
- gave his usual pat [answers]
- have got [the answers, this, the job] down pat
'pat' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):