Phrase guide
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.
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noun
A gesture signifying approval or okay; a thumb pointing up out of a fist.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: thumbs down
noun
An approval or OK.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: figuratively
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: thumbs down
History
Said to refer to the signal of approval or disapproval used by spectators at a Roman amphitheatre, but the directions have been reversed, and the Roman gesture was a bent thumb.
Across languages
19 source translations are retained for this English entry.
