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UKrule of thumb
/ɹˈuːl ɒv θˈʌm/
/ɹˈuːl ʌv θˈʌm/rule of thumb
[PHRASE]1
a method or principle solely based on experience, which may not be completely accurate
What is the origin of the idiom "make a go of something" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "rule of the thumb" is not definitively known, but it is believed to have originated in the 17th century. It is believed to have derived from an old English law that permitted a man to beat his wife with a stick as long as it was no thicker than his thumb. This phrase has been in use since the 17th century, with one of the earliest recorded instances found in a book by Sir William Hope in 1692. It is used in various contexts and occasions where a practical, general guideline or estimate is needed.
Examples
1. I haven't had to do that yet, but that's probably a good rule of thumb.
2. There's a sort of a rule of thumb for trips that are under three or four hours in trip length from city to city, those usually end up with about 80 or 90 percent of the travel market from aviation.
3. A good rule of thumb is not to respond to direct solicitation unless you know you are dealing with a reputable organization.
4. It's not 100% accurate, but it is a good rule of thumb.
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