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Region: US | Usage example: The coach gave the rookie two thumbs up after the goal.

Two thumbs up

Meaning

Strong approval.

Usage

Used to praise people or ideas.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Reviewers and audiences use thumbs to signal approval.

Popular movie reviewer phrase from the mid-20th century.

Related Idioms

All thumbs

Clumsy with one's hands.

Come out swinging

Start aggressively or with strong effort.

Barking up the wrong tree

Accusing or pursuing the wrong person/idea; making a false assumption.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.