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finger in the air
01
an unscientific or inaccurate estimate or method
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "finger in the air" and when to use it?
The exact origin of the idiom "finger in the air" is uncertain, but it likely stems from the idea of testing the wind's direction by raising a finger and feeling the airflow. This action is often used metaphorically to represent making a rough estimate or guess based on instinct or intuition rather than precise measurement or calculation.
Example
He did n't have any data to back up his claim; it was just a finger in the air.
The CEO's decision seemed like a finger in the air rather than a well-thought-out strategy.
