Definition

Verb (Phrasal Verb): - To reject or vote against something; to express disapproval or refusal of a proposal, plan, or person. It implies a formal or informal decision to not accept or approve.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used to describe the act of rejecting something, often in a decisive or final manner. It is commonly used in contexts involving group decisions, evaluations, or judgments. - It typically follows the structure: Subject + turn thumbs down + [on/to + object]. - The object of rejection is often introduced by the prepositions "on" or "to".

Examples

• The committee turned thumbs down on the proposed budget due to insufficient funding details.
• After tasting the new recipe, the food critics turned thumbs down.
• The board of directors turned thumbs down to the merger plan, citing too much risk.

Advanced Usage

• "turn a thumbs down": A less common variant with the same meaning, emphasizing the gesture itself.
  • The audience turned a thumbs down to the performer's act.

Variants and Related Words

• Thumbs-down (noun): A gesture or signal of rejection or disapproval.
  • The project got a unanimous thumbs-down from the reviewers.
• Reject (verb): To refuse to accept, consider, or use.
• Veto (verb/noun): To reject a decision or proposal, especially by using authoritative power.

Synonyms

• Reject
• Vote against
• Disapprove
• Nix
• Blackball

Related Idioms

• Give the thumbs down: To express rejection or disapproval. This is a very close synonym and can often be used interchangeably with "turn thumbs down."
  • Management gave the thumbs down to our innovative idea.

Verb

1. vote against
   • The faculty turned thumbs down on the candidate for the Dean position