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The phrase, "rule of thumb" refers to a rule or guideline that is usually though not always correct, it lacks strict precision.
Its origin is very simple; it is based on the use of one's thumb as a measuring tool that, of course, can only give approximate measurements. Most Old English measurements originated from the bodily dimensions of the king such as the length of the "foot" for one foot, the inch (thumb tip to first knuckle), cubit (elbow-to-fingertip), and yard (nose-to-fingertip).
There is a second origin given for this phrase. In early English law, and potentially brought over in colonial American, a man was allowed to discipline his wife by beating her provided he used a stick no greater than the diameter of his thumb

Rule of thumb was a term, a miller would use when grinding flour.

He would rub the flour between his thumb and forefinger, if it was too course he would lower the grinding stones to make the flour finer.

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Related Questions

In problem solving the term rule of thumb refers to?

heuristics


What is the thumb rule?

In the early centuries it was acceptable for a man to hit his wife if she did something wrong. In order to rule the beating as non abusive, the husband had to use a stick that was no bigger than his thumb. That then gave way to the term, "rule of thumb."


Which of the following is not a basic rule of thumb about how to observe students?

Define the behavior clearly in objective term


When using the left hand rule for generator the thumb point in what dierction?

There is no left handed rule. The correct term is right handed rule. Using the right handed rule, your thumb is pointing in the direction of current flow, and your fingers are pointing in the direction of magnetic flux flow.


What does rule of thumb means?

"Rule of Thumb" means a rule or principle that provides guidance to appropriate behavior.


What is thumb rule?

The rule of thumb is not intended to be accurate or reliable for every given situation. When a person is doing something by the rule of thumb, they are taking an educated guess.


The phrase rule of thumb is best understood to mean?

what does the phrase rule of thumb mean


What is the plural form of rule of thumb?

Rules of thumb


What is rule of thump?

A misspelled "Rule of Thumb"


Where did the term derby originate?

Where did the term derby originate?


What is the phrase the ---- of thumb?

Perhaps you're thinking of the phrase, "rule of thumb".


What is rule of thumb?

A useful principle but not intended to be reliable in every situation. Meaning the situation applies to everything because long ago the rule of thumb meant 1 inch equals your top of your thumb, so thats the rule of thumb. Over the years it has taken a more figurative meaning.