📖 Take a Dim View Of, To
To take a dim view of means to disapprove or consider something unfavorably. Originally popular from the mid-twentieth century, where “dim” was more linear in its unfavorable implication. In Something in Country Air (1947) by H. Grieve, the term aptly illustrates when, “Mr. Everard took a dim view of his youngest niece,” painting a vivid picture of disapproval shrouded in metaphorical shadows.
Similar Terms & Related Expressions
- Frown upon: Express disapproval or judgment.
- Give the cold shoulder: Withdraw affection or friendliness.
- Thumb down: A universal gesture of disapproval.
- Look askance at: Glance skeptically or in doubt.
- Turn one’s nose up at: Dismiss or reject something disdainfully.
Synonyms
- Disapprove
- Criticize
- Scorn
- Condemn
- Reject
- Denounce
Antonyms
- Endorse
- Praise
- Approve
- Support
- Commend
- Encourage
Humor-Filled Quotes & Proverbs
- “I’ve taken a dim view of broccoli ever since it dared to invade my dinner plate!” – An Anonymous Vegetable Hater
- “One must take a dim view of critics; they love one’s haters more than one’s art.” – A Discontented Writer
Recommended Literature, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Books: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie – because understanding approval might help cushion those “dim views” you encounter.
- Poetry: If— by Rudyard Kipling – for when facing disapproval and persevering anyway.
- Songs: “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The Rolling Stones – apt for moments when facing life’s disapproval.
- Movies: The Shawshank Redemption – a perfect example of how hope and virtue can endure despite society’s initial disapproval.
### Which phrase means to disapprove?
- [x] Take a dim view of
- [ ] Bask in radiance
- [ ] Walk on sunshine
- [ ] Shine a light on
> **Explanation:** "Take a dim view of" plainly means to disapprove, while the others imply positivity and approval.
### Which idiom suggests avoidance?
- [ ] Take a dim view of
- [x] Give the cold shoulder
- [ ] Shine bright like a diamond
- [ ] See in a new light
> **Explanation:** "Give the cold shoulder" means to disregard or avoid someone, quite the simple act of passive disapproval.
### True or False: "Thumb down" is a gesture of endorsement.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** "Thumb down" is far from endorsement. It's the universal "nay," common in ancient gladiatorial thumbs votes too!
### Which is synonymous with saying "no?"
- [x] Turn one's nose up at
- [ ] Shine a li300Composerghtbulb in it
- [ ] Raise the roof
- [ ] Light up
> **Explanation:** "Turn one's nose up at" is rejecting something disdainfully, definitely synonymous with disapproving.
### What might you do if you encounter a dim view of your ideas?
- [x] Try to understand the criticism and improve.
- [ ] Keep your ideas hidden forever.
- [ ] Related terms found there in _thumb_disapproval
> **Explanation:** Constructive criticism offers growth pathways. Accept, reflect, and evolve rather than hiding or resigning your ideas too soon.
Farewell Thought: “To take a dim view of potential might shroud innovation in shadows. So, for every frowning face, find your moment to shine brighter and illuminate new journeys.”
By Sir Lancelot Linguist
