Learn 20 Interesting Disapproval Expressions

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.