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Rule of thumb

Rule of thumb

Meaning

A rough estimate.

Examples

I’ve no tape measure with me but I’d say, as a rule of thumb, that building is twelve metres high.

Where did it originate?

Britain, 1600s. Not, as is often thought, derived from the size of stick a man was permitted to beat his wife with.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Rule of thumb

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