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Rule of thumb comes from the days before standardised measuring units. The thumb is the most useful digit for measuring as it is similar to the distance that became "The Inch" (my thumb is about 2.5") It should be noted that because it is an arbitrary figure, that is my thumb is not the same size as your thumb, my hand made thingummy will not be the same size as your hand made thingummy but the two should be in proportion. the average value for Rule of thumb will vary from race to race as an aside the biblical measurement "The cubit" is the distance from the elbow to the tip of the longest finger. which will again vary from race to race.

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also

the earliest known written occurrence of the expression was in 1692 when it already meant some method or procedure based on practical experience & without any formal basis

my guess is the expression referred originally to the natural measuring rule for gauging distance from any seen object

which calls for holding a thumb out at arms length against the distant object

& then multiplying by 10 the horizontal distance the thumb appears to jump when viewed from alternately blinking eyes

&

as suggested above

there are a variety of almost as commonly applied measuring rules involving the thumb

which perhaps compete with this rule

or perhaps all together support it

both in its figurative sense as a law or principle & in its earlier literal sense as a physical ruler or measuring device

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14y ago
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16y ago

a british judge sir francis buller was reputed to have said that a man can legallly beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. but this is a disputed fact.

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Q: What is the origin of 'rule of thumb'?
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What does rule of thumb mean in English origin?

It means something that is approximate, something that may be based on experience or general practice. The origin is the 15th Century when measurements were roughly made by using the thumb as a guide


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


APA's rule of thumb is?

In APA style, the general rule of thumb is to limit your title to around 12-15 words and avoid using abbreviations or any unnecessary words. Additionally, make sure your title is concise and accurately reflects the content of your paper.


What is rule of thump?

A misspelled "Rule of Thumb"


What is Thumb Rule Whay it is called so?

If you mean what is the "Rule of Thumb" it is an old law that states a man may beat his wife with a switch, (branch, stick), no bigger around than his "thumb". And we think we are civilized!?! This is completely wrong. There has never been any such law. The urban legend stems from a court case (not a law) in which the phrase "rule of thumb" never even appears. The judge only mentions that "moderate chastisement" of a wife by her husband is not criminal. Not at all excusable, and the judge was publicly excoriated for his ruling at the time. But this is not the origin of the "rule of thumb." The phrase "rule of thumb" comes from woodworkers using the length of their thumbs for measuring instead of using rulers, and it has been in use at least since the 1600s, long before the supposed "law" about wife-beating. A "rule of thumb" is a convenient approximation.


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.


What is the rule of thumb on car braking distance?

The general rule of thumb is that you should be able to see the tires of the car in front of you touching the pavement.


What does a thumb measures?

there was a time when 1 inch was the 'rule of thumb' probably 25mm now