Patting on the back means to praise or congratulate someone for their achievements. However, there are several antonyms for this phrase, which connote criticism or disapproval. These include condemnation, rebuke, reproach, censure, and condemnation. While patting on the back is used to uplift someone's spirits, these antonyms are used to highlight shortcomings, reprimand bad behavior, or express disapproval. For instance, instead of patting someone on the back for being consistently late for work, a boss might rebuke them for their punctuality issues. Similarly, a parent might censure their child for breaking the rules and not pat them on the back.