Disapproval; rejection

Everyone hoped the project would be approved, but the Committee turned thumbs down on it

Tutti speravano nell'approvazione del progetto e invece il Consiglio ha fatto pollice verso

In Hollywood, they say, every bureaucrat can give the thumbs - down to a film proposal, but the ones with real clout are those who can flash a thumbs - up and make it happen

Dicono che a Hollywood qualsiasi burocrate possa fare pollice verso al progetto di un film, ma il vero potere ce l'ha chi può approvarlo e poi realizzarlo

The original Latin phrase "pollice verso" refers to a gesture common in the days of gladiatorial combats in ancient Rome. After a fight, a wounded gladiator would appeal to the crowd for mercy. If they thought he'd put up a good fight, they would spare his life by concealing their thumbs inside their fists - "pollice primo"; if not, it would be "pollice verso", and the defeated gladiator was to be slain by the victor