thumbs-down

thumbs-down
n
refusal, rejection, disapproval, negation, rebuff, no, turn down

* * *

\\ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷\ noun (-s)
Etymology: from the imperative phrase thumbs down
: the act, process, or an instance of rejection, disapproval, or condemnation

the government thumbs-down on penicillin for endocarditis was published — Paul de Kruif

* * *

/thumz"down"/, n. Informal.
an act or instance of dissent, disapproval, etc.
[1885-90]

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thumbs-down, thumbs-up see ↑thumbs down and ↑thumbs up below.
• • •
Main Entry: ↑thumb

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thumbs-down UK US noun [singular] informal
a reaction that shows you do not like something such as a plan or an idea, or that you will not accept it
give something the thumbs-down:

Public opinion has given the idea a massive thumbs-down.

Thesaurus: criticism and disapprovalsynonym

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/ˈθʌmzˈdaʊn/ noun [singular]
: a gesture in which you hold your hand out with your thumb pointed down in order to say no, to show disapproval, etc.

When I asked him if they won, he just shook his head and gave me a/the thumbs-down.

— often used figuratively

Our proposal got a/the thumbs-down. [=our proposal was rejected]

The show got a big thumbs-down from critics. [=critics did not like the show]


Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • thumbs-down — thumbs′ down′ n. inf an act, instance, or gesture of disapproval or rejection • Etymology: 1885–90 …   From formal English to slang

  • thumbs down — (informal) REJECTION, refusal, veto, no, negation, rebuff; informal red light, knock back. → thumb * * * thumbs down A sign indicating disapproval, prohibition, failure, etc (also figurative; see also ↑pollice verso; thumbs downˈ noun) • • • Main …   Useful english dictionary

  • thumbs down — 1. n. a sign of disapproval. (See also turn thumbs down (on someone or something).) □ The board gave our proposal a thumbs down. □ Not another thumbs down! 2. mod. disapproving; negative. □ …   Dictionary of American slang and colloquial expressions

  • thumbs down — (give a) thumbs down to (someone/something) to show disapproval of or opposition to someone or something. My husband gave a big thumbs down to my idea of getting a new car. Usage notes: often used in the form give the thumbs down (to something):… …   New idioms dictionary

  • thumbs down — also thumbs down N SING If you say that someone gives a plan, idea, or suggestion the thumbs down, you are indicating that they do not approve of it and refuse to accept it. [INFORMAL] Ant: thumbs up …   English dictionary

  • thumbs down — /θʌmz ˈdaʊn/ (say thumz down) noun 1. a gesture made by pointing the thumb of one hand downward, symbolising defeat or, in Roman times, death. 2. rejection, disapproval, especially of a proposal: *A compromise plan on digital broadcasting seems… …  

  • thumbs-down — UK / US noun [singular] informal a reaction that shows you do not like something such as a plan or an idea, or that you will not accept it give something the thumbs down: Public opinion has given the idea a massive thumbs down …   English dictionary

  • Thumbs down — rejection or disapproval: big thumbs down for the presidency …   Dictionary of Australian slang

  • thumbs down — Australian Slang rejection or disapproval: big thumbs down for the presidency …   English dialects glossary

  • thumbs-down — see thumbs down …   English dictionary

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