rule of thumb

rule of thumb meaning in Tamil and Arabic

Forms of rule of thumb

Origin of rule of thumb

Attested since 1658. Of uncertain origin, but probably based on the use of the thumb as reference for various measurements. For instance, one theory notes that the inch originated as the distance between the base of the thumbnail and the first joint, another notes the practice of approximating the general direction of the wind by wetting the thumb then raising it in the air. A third theory notes that English royal banquet plate setters used the distance of their thumbs to equally space each plate from the table edge. The erroneous claim that the term referred to the maximum thickness of a stick with which it was permissible for a man to beat his wife has appeared in The Washington Post and Time; it may originate from Del Martin's 1976 book Battered Wives.

Questions about rule of thumb

What does rule of thumb mean?

Rule of thumb means a general guideline, rather than a strict rule; an approximate measure or means of reckoning based on experience or common knowledge.

What is rule of thumb in Tamil?

Rule of thumb in Tamil is குத்துமதிப்பு விதி. See Rule of thumb meaning in Tamil.

What part of speech is rule of thumb?

Rule of thumb is a noun.

What is the plural of rule of thumb?

The plural of rule of thumb is rules of thumb.