अंगूठा दिखाना

/əŋɡuːʈʰaː dɪkʰaːnaː/◆idiom
to thumb one's nose

उसने गुस्से में अंगूठा दिखाकर चला गया।

He got angry, showed his thumb, and walked away.

◆ What It Really Means
to express contempt or refusal by making a dismissive gesture with the thumb
Literal Meaning
to show the thumb
Literal Breakdown
अंगूठाthumb+दिखानाto show
◇ Mental Image
The mental picture of a clenched fist with the thumb raised upward, often in a mocking or dismissive manner.
◈ When to Use
Imagine two siblings arguing. One child, frustrated, raises their thumb with fingers folded into a fist at the other, signaling disdain or refusal to engage further.
◉ Cultural Note
In Hindi culture, gestures like 'अंगूठा दिखाना' are often used in playful sibling rivalry or to express strong disapproval. It is less common in formal interactions.
informal

to show disdain or contempt by raising the thumb with fingers folded into a fist

बच्चे ने अपने भाई को अंगूठा दिखाया।

The child showed his thumb at his brother.

वह गुस्से से अंगूठा दिखाकर चला गया।

He left, showing his thumb in anger.

Often used to express mockery or refusal in a playful or serious manner.

Related Phrases

अंगूठा उठानाphrase
to raise the thumb (often in approval or hitchhiking)

Pro Tip

Gesture Context

In Hindi-speaking regions, 'अंगूठा दिखाना' is a strong non-verbal cue. Use it cautiously in formal settings.

Gold Rule

Idiom vs. Literal Meaning

Always check if the phrase is used idiomatically (disdain) or literally (showing the thumb). Context matters.

Word Origin

Composed of 'अंगूठा' (thumb) and 'दिखाना' (to show), reflecting the gesture of raising the thumb in disdain.

Usage Notes

This idiom is used in both playful and serious contexts, often to dismiss someone or express contempt. In some regions, it may also imply a refusal to cooperate.

Word Breakdown

अंगूठा
thumb
noun
+
दिखाना
to show
verb
हिन्दी-अंग्रेज़ी शब्दकोश