These expressions are used to show disagreement, criticism, or disdain. Here are 20 idioms and phrasal verbs that convey disapproval.

Disapproval Expressions

1. Shake one’s head
   Meaning: Express disapproval or disappointment
   Example: The teacher shook her head at the student’s excuse.
2. Turn up one’s nose
   Meaning: Show disdain or dislike
   Example: She turned up her nose at the offer.
3. Frown upon
   Meaning: Disapprove of
   Example: The community frowned upon loud parties.
4. Look down on
   Meaning: Consider inferior or unworthy
   Example: He tends to look down on his coworkers.
5. Give the cold shoulder
   Meaning: Ignore or show disapproval
   Example: He gave her the cold shoulder after the argument.
6. Not see eye to eye
   Meaning: Disagree with
   Example: They don’t see eye to eye on politics.
7. Thumb one’s nose at
   Meaning: Show disrespect or disdain
   Example: He thumbed his nose at the rules.
8. Give someone the boot
   Meaning: Dismiss or fire someone
   Example: The manager gave him the boot after the incident.
9. Shoot down
   Meaning: Reject or dismiss
   Example: She shot down his business proposal immediately.
10. Not hold water
    Meaning: Lack credibility or validity
    Example: His excuses don’t hold water.
11. Pull the plug on
    Meaning: Stop or discontinue
    Example: They pulled the plug on the failing project.
12. Cry foul
    Meaning: Complain about an unfair situation
    Example: The team cried foul over the referee’s call.
13. Turn a blind eye to
    Meaning: Ignore something wrong
    Example: The authorities turned a blind eye to corruption.
14. Cut someone down to size
    Meaning: Bring someone back to reality
    Example: His colleagues cut him down to size after his arrogance.
15. Chew someone out
    Meaning: Scold or reprimand harshly
    Example: The boss chewed him out for being late.
16. Cross the line
    Meaning: Behave inappropriately or unacceptably
    Example: His comments really crossed the line.
17. Give someone a hard time
    Meaning: Criticize or trouble someone
    Example: She gives her brother a hard time.
18. Read the riot act
    Meaning: Sternly reprimand or warn
    Example: The coach read the riot act to the players.
19. Throw the book at
    Meaning: Punish or penalize harshly
    Example: The judge threw the book at the offender.
20. Look askance at
    Meaning: Regard with suspicion or disapproval
    Example: The neighbors looked askance at his behavior.