thumbs up

Definition

A gesture signifying approval or okay; a thumb pointing up out of a fist.

Etymology

Said to refer to the signal of approval or disapproval used by spectators at a Roman amphitheatre, but the directions have been reversed, and the Roman gesture was a bent thumb.

Example Sentences

• "He smiled and gave a big thumbs up."
• "We got the thumbs-up to go ahead with the project."