rule of thumb

noun

1. a general or approximate principle, procedure, or rule based on experience or practice, as opposed to a specific, scientific calculation or estimate.
2. a rough, practical method of procedure.

rule of thumb

noun

1. 1. a rough and practical approach, based on experience, rather than a scientific or precise one based on theory
   2. ( as modifier )

      a rule-of-thumb decision

rule of thumb

1. 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.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of rule of thumb¹

First recorded in 1685–95

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

As a rule of thumb, smart meters in the northern region designed to connect to the radio signal have two small indicator lights on the communications hub, fitted to the top of the smart meter.

From BBC

Beth Saltz, a pediatric dietitian in Woodland Hills, said a general rule of thumb is to make sure that all of the ingredients listed could be sold in the grocery store.

From Los Angeles Times

Certainly, it's a general rule of thumb that in close elections the candidates are supposed to live in the battleground states, especially in the final weeks to eke out every last vote in the Electoral College.

From Salon

"As a rule of thumb, the older and richer you are — particularly if you live in cooler climates rather than tropical ones — the less risk climate change poses to you over the course of your lifetime, compared to young people in poverty in the global south."

From Salon

“Usually, the rule of thumb is that if you’re staying well hydrated, your urine should be a light yellow color,” Farfan said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• criterion