Meaning & use
gave a thumbs up
Last updated
“gave a thumbs up” is a form of “give a thumbs up”.
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
Showed approval or agreement by raising the thumb, or expressed support for something.
Grammar: This is the past tense of 'give a thumbs up'. It is used as a complete verb phrase.
Patterns
- gave someone a thumbs up
- gave a thumbs up to something
The teacher gave a thumbs up when she saw my project.
He gave a thumbs up to the plan after reading it.
She gave a thumbs up and smiled at the camera.
Common combinations
- give a thumbs up
- The coach will give a thumbs up if you finish the race.
- a big thumbs up
- The critics gave the new film a big thumbs up.
- thumbs up from someone
- We got a thumbs up from the manager for our idea.
Synonyms and how they differ
- approved
- This is a general verb meaning to agree officially; 'gave a thumbs up' is more informal and physical.
- endorsed
- This is more formal and often used for products or policies; 'gave a thumbs up' is casual.
Opposites
Word family
- thumbs up noun
- An expression of approval or support.
- thumbs-down noun
- An expression of disapproval or rejection.
Commonly confused: gave a thumbs up or thumbs up?
gave a thumbs up vs thumbs up
This is the noun or interjection; 'gave a thumbs up' is the past tense verb phrase.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'gave a thumbs up' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The phrase 'gave a thumbs up to' is the correct pattern. 'Gave a thumbs up' without 'to' is incomplete when followed by an object; 'for' and 'of' are not used with this phrase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “gave a thumbs up”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.