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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

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Reviewers and audiences use thumbs to signal approval.

Popularised by the film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert in the 1980s.

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.