rule of thumb
noun
a general or approximate principle, procedure, or rule based on experience or practice, as opposed to a specific, scientific calculation or estimate.
a rough, practical method of procedure.
Origin of rule of thumb
First recorded in 1685–95
Words nearby rule of thumb
rule of engagement,
rule of law,
rule of outlet,
rule of the road,
rule of three,
rule of thumb,
rule out,
rule the roost,
ruled surface,
ruleless,
ruler
Example sentences from the Web for rule of thumb
British Dictionary definitions for rule of thumb
rule of thumb
noun
- a rough and practical approach, based on experience, rather than a scientific or precise one based on theory
- (as modifier)a rule-of-thumb decision
Cultural definitions for rule of thumb
rule of thumb
A practical principle that comes from the wisdom of experience and is usually but not always valid: “When playing baseball, a good rule of thumb is to put your best hitter fourth in the batting order.”
Idioms and Phrases with rule of thumb
rule of thumb
A rough and useful principle or method, based on experience rather than precisely accurate measures. For example, His work with the youth group is largely by rule of thumb. This expression alludes to making rough estimates of measurements by using one's thumb. [Second half of 1600s]