Definition

1. Noun:
   • A formal expression of approval and support: A "vote of confidence" is a formal process, typically within a governing body like a parliament, where members vote to show they support the current leader or government and want them to continue.
   • An indication of trust or approval: More generally, it can refer to any action or statement that shows strong support and faith in a person, group, or plan.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Prime Minister survived the challenge after winning a parliamentary vote of confidence.
  • By renewing his contract, the board gave the manager a clear vote of confidence.
  • Investors showed their vote of confidence in the new strategy by buying more shares.

Advanced Usage

• "To call for a vote of confidence": To formally request a test of support, often to settle doubts about leadership.
  • Opposition parties may call for a vote of confidence if they believe the government is weak.
• "To pass/fail a vote of confidence": To succeed or fail in gaining the required support.
  • The government passed the vote of confidence by a narrow margin.
• "A resounding vote of confidence": An expression of very strong and clear support.
  • The overwhelming election result was seen as a resounding vote of confidence in her policies.

Variants and Related Words

• Vote of no confidence (Noun): The formal opposite; an expression that a leader or government no longer has support.
  • The minister resigned after losing a vote of no confidence in the committee.
• Confidence motion (Noun): Another term for a parliamentary vote of confidence.

Synonyms

• Endorsement: A declaration or action of support.
• Mandate: The authority to govern, granted through an expression of support like an election.
• Show of support: A demonstration of backing or approval.

Related Phrases

• To have the confidence of the house (Idiom): To possess the support of the majority in a legislative body.
  • A prime minister must have the confidence of the house to govern effectively.
• A seal of approval (Idiom): A sign that something is officially approved or supported.
  • The celebrity's endorsement acted as a seal of approval for the product.

Noun

1. an expression of approval and encouragement
   • they gave the chairman a vote of confidence