Yardstick

Definitions

1. A measuring rod thirty-six inches (one yard) long.
2. A standard to which other measurements or comparisons are judged.
   figuratively

Equivalents

Examples

“2008 April 8, Michael R. Gordon and Eric Schmitt, “Attacks in Baghdad spiked in March⟳, U.S. data show⟳”, in International Herald Tribune, 2008 April 8 edition, “Africa & Middle East” section, Attacks against civilians in the capital remained relatively unchanged: 69 in March⟳ from 62 in February. ¶ However, another yardstick, the number⟳ of civilian deaths tracked by the Iraqi government, shot up last⟳ month after several months of decline⟳.”

“The Court has taken a number⟳ of factors into consideration in performing the “balancing of interests test⟳” while examining cases concerning limitations on the institution of paternity claims. […] The yardstick against which the above factors are measured is whether a legal presumption has been allowed to prevail over the biological and social reality and if so whether, in the circumstances, this is compatible with the obligation to secure “effective” respect⟳ for private and family life, taking into account the margin of appreciation left to the State and the established facts and the wishes of those concerned (ibid. § 55).”

CEFR level