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thumb

Definition

  • noun: the short, thick finger on the side of your hand
  • noun: the short thick digit of the human hand that is analogous in position to the big toe and differs from the other fingers in having only two phalanges, allowing greater freedom of movement, and being opposable to each of them
  • verb: to ask for or get a ride in a passing vehicle by sticking out your arm with your thumb up as you stand on the side of the road
  • verb: to leaf through (pages) with the thumb
  • synonyms: hitchhike, turn, ok

Examples

  • A good 'rule of thumb' for keeping your closet organized is to get rid of any clothes you haven't worn in the past year.

  • Thanks to my mother's 'green thumb' [=('Brit') 'green fingers'], we usually had vegetables fresh from the garden.

  • As a 'rule of thumb', stocks that involve greater risk also have the potential of earning you more money.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) - I wouldn't light a match. - Go ahead, give it a try. Well, I don't think I could do it. No? It's gonna be difficult. I'll give it a try. I got my thumb back for a second. Thank God. Just a minute. I can't do it. - The guy at the newsstand can do it. - I don't work at a newsstand. (..)
    1976 Taxi Driver