ENGLISH
REFERENCE

two thumbs up

idiom
Meaning

Strong approval.


Origin

disputed origin

American film critics Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel co-hosted a movie review program, At the Movies. The two had different tastes, and often verbally sparred and traded humorous barbs. When both critics gave the film a thumbs up, it was assumed that the film was very good.

Examples
SIMPLE

The new movie gets two thumbs up from me.

CONTEXTUAL

After testing the new software, the team gave it two thumbs up for its ease of use.

COMPLEX

The critics were unanimous in their praise, giving the director's latest masterpiece two thumbs up for its bold vision and technical brilliance.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all fingers and thumbs

    Of a person, clumsy or awkward.

  2. 02

    all thumbs

    Clumsy; awkward; not dextrous.

  3. 03

    beast with two backs

    Two people united in sexual intercourse in the missionary position.

  4. 04

    eat for two

    To be pregnant

  5. 05

    fall between two stools

    To fit into neither of two categories and, hence, be neglected or fail.

  6. 06

    feed two birds with one scone

    Synonym of kill two birds with one stone.

  7. 07

    for two pins

    Readily, with only the slightest encouragement.

  8. 08

    greater of two evils

    The most harmful or unpleasant of two undesirable alternatives.

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