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Meanings of thumb a lift in English

To try to get a ride in a passing vehicle while standing at the side of a road.

Usage of thumb a lift in English
1
They won't leave a king on the side of a highway trying to thumb a lift to the FNB Stadium.
The Guardian
2
Some hours later he was seen again thumbing a lift at Killenena, Gort
The Irish Times
3
Or thumbing a lift.
Sister Mine
4
Reuben Jones left his home in Moynoe, Scarriff at 2pm yesterday and was seen thumbing a lift on the Scarrif-to-Feakle Road.
The Irish Times