the rule of thumb
1Rule of thumb — A rule of thumb is a principle with broad application that is not intended to be strictly accurate or reliable for every situation. It is an easily learned and easily applied procedure for approximately calculating or recalling some value, or for …
2rule of thumb — general rule, guideline The rule of thumb for a resume is Don t exceed two pages …
3Rule of thumb — Rule Rule, n. [OE. reule, riule, OF. riule, reule, F. r[ e]gle, fr. L. regula a ruler, rule, model, fr. regere, rectum, to lead straight, to direct. See {Right}, a., and cf. {Regular}.] 1. That which is prescribed or laid down as a guide for… …
4rule o' thumb — rule of thumb or rule o thumb, 1. a rule based on experience or practice rather than on scientific knowledge: »The practical men believed that the idol whom they worship rule of thumb has been the source of the past prosperity, and will suffice… …
5rule of thumb — ► a practical and approximate way of measuring or deciding about something: »As a rule of thumb, the higher the yield offered, the riskier the investments will be. Main Entry: ↑rule …
6rule of thumb — n. [from the method of measuring by the thumb] 1. a rule based on experience or practice rather than on scientific knowledge 2. any method of estimating that is practical though not precise …
7rule of thumb — {n. phr.} A simple and practical method that has proven successful or useful in the past. * /It is a very good rule of thumb to look up all unfamiliar words in a good dictionary./ …
8rule of thumb — {n. phr.} A simple and practical method that has proven successful or useful in the past. * /It is a very good rule of thumb to look up all unfamiliar words in a good dictionary./ …
9rule of thumb — noun a) A general guideline, rather than a strict rule; an approximate measure or means of reckoning based on experience or common knowledge. The usual rule of thumb says that to calculate when an investment will double, divide 70 by the interest …
10rule of thumb — a rule that you use for doing or explaining things, that is based on experience A good rule of thumb is to start painting the wall that s nearest the window …
