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

It is servility to rule-of-thumb criteria, and a dullness of perception, a timidity in acceptance.

From Project Gutenberg

Accurate knowledge is a good thing, but rule-of-thumb experience is often thought to be better.

From Project Gutenberg

With such a rule-of-thumb reckoning, you are likely to remain as much in the dark as before.

From Project Gutenberg

The knowledge of human nature thus evoked is in no sense science, it is a mere rule-of-thumb affair, a thin mechanical empiricism.

From Project Gutenberg

So he's a pretty good rule-of-thumb astrogator, too, and we're computing every element of the flight.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• criterion