The phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which
stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your
thumb.
"Rule of Thumb" means a rule or principle that provides guidance to appropriate behavior.
The rule of thumb is not intended to be accurate or reliable for every given situation. When a person is doing something by the rule of thumb, they are taking an educated guess.
what does the phrase rule of thumb mean
Rules of thumb
A misspelled "Rule of Thumb"
Perhaps you're thinking of the phrase, "rule of thumb".
A useful principle but not intended to be reliable in every situation. Meaning the situation applies to everything because long ago the rule of thumb meant 1 inch equals your top of your thumb, so thats the rule of thumb. Over the years it has taken a more figurative meaning.
The general rule of thumb is that you should be able to see the tires of the car in front of you touching the pavement.
The rule of thumb is that the destructive power of an atomic bomb increases exponentially with its size.
there was a time when 1 inch was the 'rule of thumb' probably 25mm now
In the early centuries it was acceptable for a man to hit his wife if she did something wrong. In order to rule the beating as non abusive, the husband had to use a stick that was no bigger than his thumb. That then gave way to the term, "rule of thumb."
wash