Synonyms for thumbs up

Grammar : Noun

Spell : thuhmz-uhp

Phonetic Transcription : ˈθʌmzˈʌp

Définition of thumbs up

Origin : Old English þuma, from West Germanic *thumon- (cf. Old Frisian thuma, Old Saxon, Old High German thumo, German Daumen, Dutch duim "thumb," Old Norse þumall "thumb of a glove"), literally "the stout or thick (finger)," from PIE *tum- "swell" (cf. Latin tumere "to swell," tumidus "swollen;" Avestan tuma "fat;" see thigh). For spelling with -b (attested from late 13c.), see limb.
To be under (someone's) thumb "be totally controlled by that person" is recorded from 1580s. Thumbs up (1887) and thumbs down (1906) were said to be from expressions of approval or the opposite in ancient amphitheaters, especially gladiator shows, where the gesture decided whether a defeated combatant was spared or slain. But the Roman gesture was merely one of hiding the thumb in the hand or extending it. Perhaps the modern gesture is from the usual coachmen's way of greeting while the hands are occupied with the reins.

noun stamp of approval

Example sentences :

If at any time the leader omits the words "Simon says," and goes through the movements simply with the words "Thumbs up!"
Extract from : « Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium » by Jessie H. Bancroft

Bring closed hands in front of body, thumbs up, second joints touching; then separate.
Extract from : « Indian Scout Talks » by Charles A. Eastman

Natalie gave him a thumbs up and a smile that Alan uncharitably took for a simper, and felt guilty about it immediately afterward.
Extract from : « Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town » by Cory Doctorow

Mayor says thumbs up (to the breast) meant death and thumbs down meant Lower that sword.
Extract from : « The Outline of History: Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind » by Herbert George Wells

If he calls out simply "Thumbs up" or "Thumbs down" no attention must be paid to this order as a forfeit is taken.
Extract from : « What Shall We Do Now?: Five Hundred Games and Pastimes » by Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Another: Hold the hands with the palms in, thumbs up, move hands right and left, keeping them about six inches apart.
Extract from : « Sign Language Among North American Indians Compared With That Among Other Peoples And Deaf-Mutes » by Garrick Mallery

Buck from time to time calls out as suits his fancy: “Buck says, Thumbs up!”
Extract from : « The Traditional Games of England, Scotland, and Ireland (Vol II of II) » by Alice Bertha Gomme

He is the market; he makes the price by the simple process of "thumbs up" or "thumbs down."
Extract from : « Twenty Years a Detective in the Wickedest City in the World » by Clifton R. Wooldridge

Aboh put his thumbs up above his head, and then with his hands described a fat animal with long hair, and made a bellowing noise.
Extract from : « The Two Supercargoes » by W.H.G. Kingston

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Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019