# two thumbs up

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/two-thumbs-up
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Strong approval.

## Examples

- The new movie gets two thumbs up from me.
- After testing the new software, the team gave it two thumbs up for its ease of use.
- The critics were unanimous in their praise, giving the director's latest masterpiece two thumbs up for its bold vision and technical brilliance.

## Origin

The phrase originates from the television programme *At the Movies*, co-hosted by the American film critics Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel. The two men were noted for a professional relationship defined by disparate tastes and the frequent exchange of verbal barbs. A favourable review from either critic was signalled by a raised thumb; a rare moment of consensus between the two resulted in the gesture being doubled. By the 1980s, the visual shorthand of Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert both providing a positive recommendation became a sought-after endorsement for film studios. The specific combination of their two thumbs functioned as a proprietary trademark and a cultural signal that a film had overcome their customary sparring. The gesture transitioned from a televised gimmick into a general English idiom for total approval, outlasting the critics' original broadcast.

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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.