thumbs up
Meaning
A sign or expression of approval, agreement, or that something is good or acceptable.
Origin
From the physical thumbs-up gesture meaning approval; modern verbal use arose in the 20th century (popularized in English-speaking cultures, especially US).
Notes
Casual, positive approval. Used as gesture, spoken phrase, or online (likes). Avoid in very formal writing; can be noun, verb, or interjection.
Examples
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She gave me a thumbs up after my presentation.
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The committee gave the project the thumbs up.
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If you like the video, give it a thumbs up.
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The boss thumbs up'd the proposal in the meeting.
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He signaled a thumbs up to show everything was OK.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Flexible: can be a noun ('a thumbs-up'), adjective ('a thumbs-up decision'), verb ('to thumbs up' or 'thumbs up something'), or interjection ('Thumbs up!'). Often hyphenated as 'thumbs-up' when used as a noun/adjective.
Synonyms
- approval
- green light
- nod
- okay
- seal of approval
Antonyms
- thumbs down
- disapproval
- rejection