vote of confidence
B2Formal
Definition
Meaning
A formal show of support for a leader or government, typically from a parliament or committee.
Any expression of trust or support in a person, plan, or organization, not necessarily formal.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In politics, it's a formal procedure where the government's survival is at stake. In extended use, it's a metaphorical expression of support.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term for parliamentary procedure and metaphorically. 'Motion of confidence' is a more formal synonym in British parliamentary contexts.
Connotations
In the UK, strongly associated with the Westminster system. In the US, while understood, it's less central to the political system (where impeachment is a more common crisis mechanism).
Frequency
More frequent in British English due to the parliamentary system; common in American English in business and metaphorical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] called for a vote of confidence in [object].[Subject] passed a vote of confidence in [object].[Subject] was a vote of confidence for [object].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To give someone/something a vote of confidence (metaphorical).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The board's investment was a clear vote of confidence in the new CEO's strategy.
Academic
The study's replication by independent labs served as a vote of confidence for its controversial findings.
Everyday
My friends coming to my first art show felt like a real vote of confidence.
Technical
The Prime Minister requested a vote of confidence following the rebellion within her party.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The MPs will be voting on a motion of confidence tomorrow.
- The committee voted to express its confidence in the chairman.
American English
- Congress is unlikely to vote confidence in the administration's current policy.
- Shareholders voted their confidence by approving the merger.
adverb
British English
- The minister spoke confidently after winning the vote.
- The team performed confidently, boosted by the manager's support.
American English
- She walked confidently into the meeting, having secured the board's backing.
- The markets reacted confidently to the news.
adjective
British English
- The confidence vote procedure is clearly outlined in Standing Orders.
- It was a confidence-boosting result for the new leader.
American English
- The confidence motion failed, triggering a crisis.
- The board's decision had a confidence-inspiring effect on the market.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher gave me a vote of confidence when she chose me for the team.
- Getting that promotion was a real vote of confidence from my boss.
- The Prime Minister survived the vote of confidence by a narrow margin of ten votes.
- The substantial venture capital injection was interpreted by the industry as a profound vote of confidence in the fledgling company's disruptive technology.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a team captain being chosen by a show of hands – a VOTE showing the team's CONFIDENCE in their leader.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPORT IS A FORMAL VOTE; TRUST IS A POLITICAL PROCEDURE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'голос доверия' in non-political contexts; it sounds overly formal. Use simpler phrases like 'поддержка', 'одобрение', 'проявление доверия' for everyday metaphors.
- In Russian political context, 'вотум доверия' is the correct equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'vote for confidence' (incorrect preposition).
- Using it to mean 'a confident vote' rather than 'a vote showing confidence'.
- Capitalising it unnecessarily (unless starting a sentence or in a title).
Practice
Quiz
What is the direct political consequence of a government losing a formal vote of confidence?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its origin is in formal politics, it is very commonly used metaphorically in business, sports, and everyday life to mean any strong show of support or trust.
They are direct opposites. A 'vote of confidence' expresses support, while a 'vote of no confidence' (or censure motion) expresses a lack of support and is intended to remove a leader or government.
Not directly. The phrase is a noun phrase. You can 'hold', 'pass', or 'lose' a vote of confidence. The related verb action is 'to express confidence (in)' or 'to back'.
It can come from a board of directors (in a CEO), investors (in a company's strategy), management (in an employee or team), or customers (through sustained purchases).