Meaning of rule of thumb | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A general guideline, rather than a strict rule; an approximate measure or means of reckoning based on experience or common knowledge.
2. Approximated, guesstimated.
   attributive

Equivalents

Examples

“The usual rule⟳ of thumb says that to calculate⟳ when an investment will double⟳, divide⟳ 70 by the interest⟳ rate.”

“Here's a good rule⟳ of thumb: Too clever is dumb.”

“Since it is impossible to second-guess what a user will want⟳ to look⟳ up, there is a general lexicographical rule⟳ of thumb to err on the side of inclusion.”

“I made a quick, rule-of-thumb estimate⟳ of the manhours required for the job.”

CEFR level