thumbs up

Meaning

A 'thumbs up' is a gesture or expression used to show approval, agreement, or that everything is going well. It can be used literally (showing your thumb pointing up) or figuratively in conversation to mean 'yes,' 'good job,' or 'I approve.'

Examples

• The boss gave us the thumbs up to start the new project on Monday.

  The boss gave us the thumbs up to start the new project on Monday.

• I asked her if she was ready, and she just gave me a quick thumbs up.

  I asked her if she was ready, and she just gave me a quick thumbs up.

• The movie got a big thumbs up from all the major critics.

  The movie got a big thumbs up from all the major critics.

• Give me a thumbs up if you can hear my voice clearly.

  Give me a thumbs up if you can hear my voice clearly.

• After checking the engine, the mechanic gave us the thumbs up to hit the road.

  After checking the engine, the mechanic gave us the thumbs up to hit the road.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He gave me a thumb up.

  ✓ He gave me a thumbs up.

  The idiom is almost always plural ('thumbs up'), even if you are physically only raising one thumb.

• ✗ I got the thumbs up of my teacher.

  ✓ I got the thumbs up from my teacher.

  Use the preposition 'from' to indicate who gave the approval or permission.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Once we get the ___ from the city council, we can begin building the park.

  💡 Sign of approval or permission.

  Show answer

  thumbs up

• She looked toward the stage and gave her daughter a reassuring ___.

  💡 A gesture of encouragement or approval.

  Show answer

  thumbs up