Give the nod
verb phrase
To give approval; confer permission: Detroit has tightened the reins on the boys in the sheet metal design department while giving the nod to the engineers (1940s+)
Read Also:
- Give the time of day
see: not give someone the time of day
- Give the word
Also, say the word. Give an order, tell or show when something is to be done, as in If you want us to move out, just give the word, or When you want the car, just say the word. The first expression, dating from about 1400, originally alluded to uttering a password in response to […]
- Give the works
see: the works
- Give to understand
Lead one to think, as in I was given to understand that the President was coming here. [ Mid-1500s ]
- Give vent to
Express an emotion, as in He didn’t dare give vent to his annoyance in front of her parents. [ Late 1500s ]