turn thumbs down

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Word: Turn Thumbs Down

Definition: The phrase "turn thumbs down" means to show disapproval or to reject something. It often refers to a decision or vote against an idea, person, or proposal.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "turn thumbs down" when you want to express that someone does not agree with something or does not support it.
• It is often used in formal contexts, such as meetings, discussions, or votes.

Example:

• "The committee turned thumbs down on the new budget proposal because it was too expensive."

Advanced Usage:

• In political or business contexts, "turn thumbs down" might be used to describe a situation where a group of people (like a board or committee) officially rejects a candidate or proposal.

Word Variants:

• Thumbs down: This phrase can also be used alone as a noun, meaning the act of rejecting or disapproving something.
• Turn thumbs up: This is the opposite phrase, meaning to approve or endorse something.

Different Meaning:

• Historically, "thumbs down" can refer to a gesture in ancient Rome, where it was thought that turning the thumb down meant to spare a defeated gladiator, while turning it up meant to condemn him. However, the exact historical meaning is debated.

Synonyms:

• Reject
• Disapprove
• Dismiss
• Oppose
• Vote against

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Turn down: This is a related phrase that means to refuse or reject an offer or request.

  • Example: "She turned down the job offer because it didn’t meet her salary expectations."

• Give a thumbs down: This is another way to say that someone has rejected or disapproved of something.

  • Example: "The audience gave a thumbs down to the movie because it was boring."

Summary:

"Turn thumbs down" is a useful phrase to express disapproval or rejection in various contexts, especially in formal discussions or votes.

Academic

Verb

1. vote against
   • The faculty turned thumbs down on the candidate for the Dean position

Synonyms

• vote down