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thumbs up
01
an instance or gesture that indicates approval or satisfaction
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "thumbs up" and when to use it?
The idiom "thumbs up" has its origin in ancient Roman culture, where a thumbs up gesture was used as a sign of approval or agreement. Gladiatorial contests in ancient Rome often involved life-or-death situations, and the crowd would signal their preference for the fate of the defeated combatant. A thumbs up indicated that the crowd wished the gladiator to be spared, while a thumbs down meant a fatal blow. Over time, the thumbs up gesture evolved into a universally recognized sign of positive affirmation or approval.
Example
After tasting the dish, the food critic gave it a thumbs up, recommending it to their readers.
The teacher gave the students a thumbs up for their excellent presentations, acknowledging their hard work and preparation.
The audience responded with a thumbs up when the speaker made a compelling argument, expressing agreement and satisfaction.
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