rule of thumb

rule of thumb
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 rate.

b) Approximated, guesstimated.

I made a quick, rule-of-thumb estimate of the manhours required for the job.


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  • Rule 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… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • rule 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… …   Useful english dictionary

  • Rule of thumb — Saltar a navegación, búsqueda Rule of thumb es una expresión inglesa que designa un principio de amplia aplicación que no necesariamente es estrictamente preciso ni confiable en cada situación. Es un procedimiento de fácil aprendizaje y… …   Wikipedia Español

  • rule of thumb —    Rule of thumb means approximately.   (Dorking School Dictionary)    ***    A rule of thumb is a general rule which is a handy way of measuring or calculating something.     As a rule of thumb, use one third vinegar and three thirds oil to make …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

  • rule 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 …   Financial and business terms

  • rule-of-thumb — rule of thumbˈ adjective According to rule of thumb (see below) • • • Main Entry: ↑rule …   Useful english dictionary

  • rule of thumb — means approximately …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • rule 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 …   English World dictionary

  • rule of thumb — rule′ of thumb′ n. 1) a general principle or rule based on experience or practice, as opposed to a scientific calculation 2) a rough, practical method of procedure • Etymology: 1685–95 …   From formal English to slang

  • rule of thumb — ► rule of thumb a broadly accurate guide or principle, based on practice rather than theory. Main Entry: ↑rule …   English terms dictionary

  • Rule of thumb —   Rule of thumb means approximately …   Dictionary of English idioms

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