thump (one's) chest

To make an ostentatious display of one's dominance, superiority, and pride. Typically said of men. The manager likes to thump his chest and make a big show of his authority during our production meetings, but you'd be hard-pressed to see him doing any actual work around the office. The politician always makes a point of thumping his chest during press briefings, never missing a chance to brag about his successes in office.

thump down

To throw, hurl, or slam someone or something down (on something) with an audible thud. A noun or pronoun can be used between "thump" and "down." The drunk man tried to take a swing at the police officer, who thumped him down on the sidewalk. Don't just thump that thing down like that—you could break it!

thump on (someone or something)

To beat or pound on someone or something with force. The two brothers thump on each other all the time, but they're really very close. The manager thumped on the table to bring some order to the meeting.

thump out

1. To create some kind of rhythm, tune, or percussive beat by thumping (on something). A noun or pronoun can be used between "thump" and "out." Someone started thumping out a beat on an upturned bucket while Jeff improvised the words. I couldn't remember how the song went, so she thumped the rhythm out for me on the table.

2. To play a song (on some instrument with keys), especially in a very rough or informal manner. Someone ran over to the piano and started thumping out "Jingle Bells."

thump on someone or something

to pound on someone or something. Tim was angry with Roger and thumped on him a little, but decided to forgive him. Andy thumped on the bass drum for an hour.

thump something down

to throw something down so it makes a pounding noise. Nancy thumped the parcel down and caught her breath. She thumped down the parcel.

thump something out (on the piano)

to pound out music on a piano. Joel thumped a happy tune out on the piano. He thumped out a well-known tune.