Antonyms for the phrase "gives the nod" would be phrases like "disapproves," "rejects,"or "denies approval." When someone "gives the nod," they are indicating agreement or approval of something, so antonyms are words or phrases that convey disagreement or disapproval. Instead of "giving the nod," someone might "shake their head" to show disagreement or "give the thumbs down" to indicate disapproval. Using antonyms can add variety and nuance to one's writing, helping to create a fuller picture of a situation or character's response. By considering opposite meanings, we can better convey the tone and emotions of a situation.