rule of thumb — a broadly accurate guide or principle, based on experience or practice rather than theory
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a broadly accurate guide or principle, based on experience or practice rather than theory
Pronunciation (IPA): /ruːl əv θʌm/
Example Sentences
- As a rule of thumb, if your boss asks 'Can we talk?', update your resume immediately.
- A good rule of thumb is to arrive 10 minutes early for any appointment.
- My grandmother's rule of thumb: if you can't pronounce the ingredients, don't eat it.
rule of thumb
NOUN[/ruːl əv θʌm/]
a broadly accurate guide or principle, based on experience or practice rather than theory
A good rule of thumb: taste the soup before adding more salt.
Some wisdom will come from rule of thumb
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase originated from the practical use of the human thumb as a crude measuring tool, since the thumb is approximately one inch in length. Over time, it evolved to denote any rough, practical guideline or standard that is approximate rather than precise or officially established.
Breakdown
rule (a principle or standard) + of (indicating possession or relationship) + thumb (the shortest, thickest digit of the hand, historically used as an informal measuring unit).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“As a rule of thumb, if your boss asks 'Can we talk?', update your resume immediately.”
“A good rule of thumb is to arrive 10 minutes early for any appointment.”
“My grandmother's rule of thumb: if you can't pronounce the ingredients, don't eat it.”
“The rule of thumb for public speaking is to practice your speech at least three times.”
📚Related Words
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