Phrase guide

get the thumb

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To be ejected from a game or match.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: hobbies, lifestyle, sports

Examples

  • Rogers got the thumb for shoving the linesman after being called offside.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the “point thumb over shoulder” motion prescribed in many sports as the referee signal to indicate that a player or coach has been ejected.