# thumb a ride

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/thumb-a-ride
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To hitchhike.

## Examples

- He decided to thumb a ride to the next town.
- After his car broke down on the highway, he stood by the road to thumb a ride.
- With his funds exhausted and the bus station closed for the night, he had no choice but to thumb a ride from a passing traveler.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.