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What does "thumb" mean?

In addition to the idioms beginning with thumb, also see all thumbs; green thumb; rule of thumb; stick out (like a sore thumb); twiddle one's thumbs; under someone's thumb.

See thumb in WNW Idioms

all thumbs

clumsy; fumbling

thumb one's nose

to raise one's thumb to the nose with the fingers extended, as a coarse gesture of defiance or contempt
to express defiance or contempt

thumbs down

a signal of rejection or disapproval

thumbs up

a signal of acceptance or approval

thumb through

to glance rapidly through (a book), as by releasing or turning pages along their edge with the thumb

under someone's thumb

under someone's influence or sway

See thumb in American Heritage Dictionary 4 Idioms

all thumbs

Lacking physical coordination, skill, or grace; clumsy.

thumb (one's) nose

To express scorn or ridicule by or as if by placing the thumb on the nose and wiggling the fingers.

thumbs down

An expression of rejection, refusal, or disapproval.

thumbs up

An expression of approval, success, or hope.

under (one's) thumb

Under the control of someone; subordinate to.

Learn more about thumb

» thumb definition

» thumb synonyms

» THUMB abbreviations & acronyms

» thumb computer definition

» thumb medical definition

» thumb sentence examples

» thumb quote examples

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