pollice verso

Etymology
.

Usage notes

 * The Italian is the modern, non-fossil-word translation of "thumbs down".

Etymology
Literally, "with thumb turned".

Phrase

 * 1) with the thumb turned (how spectators indicated favor or displeasure at gladiatorial games).

Usage notes
Despite depictions common in movies, it is not clear whether the thumbs up or thumbs down indicated displeasure.