Let ’s talk about an expression you ’ve in all probability heard before : " convention of thumb . " This phrase is a ready to hand way of saying , " Here ’s a ecumenical guideline that exploit in most cases . "
A rule of ovolo is n’t about precise measurements or hard - and - profligate laws ; instead , it ’s a pragmatic , go - to method for figuring things out quickly . The phrase show up all the clip when people require a rough approximation or a canonical principle to follow . From cooking to scientific discipline to everyday spirit , these " pollex rules " help us simplify complex subjects .
But what does it really mean , and where did this set phrase come from ?
‘Rule of Thumb’ Meaning
A " principle of thumb " is a general principle or guideline that ’s intended to offer practical , often quick advice rather than precise instructions . It ’s a way of saying , " Here ’s a good convention to conform to most of the time . "
Thisheuristicdoesn’t inevitably have an exact skill behind it ; it ’s more about what has worked well in practice . In other speech , it ’s a useful principle for most situations but not a strict rule or practice of law .
The formula of thumb reach a general sensory faculty of direction , particularly when accurate measurement or detailed procedures are n’t necessary . For illustration , in cookery , a good rule of thumb is to add saltiness to taste . There ’s no rigorous amount that apply to every dish , but the rule of thumb helps you use your serious judgment .
Origins of the Phrase
While the exactorigins of " convention of thumb"are a minute of a mystery , the set phrase likely originates from the old practice of using the pollex as a harsh measuring tool , especially before rulers or interchangeable mensuration were common .
Craftspeople and manual laborer would use the width of their thumb as a quick fashion to mensurate distances or near sizes . This " thumb formula " made practical sentience because a thumb was always " on script , " ready to help out .
There ’s a persistent myth that the idiomatic expression come from an superannuated sound " rule " allow the great unwashed to use their thumb to measure out a pole ’s heaviness for physical subject area . However , there ’s nohistorical evidenceto accompaniment this , and it ’s widely regard as an incorrect possibility .
Instead , the phrase likely develop from the idea of using a rocky - and - quick approach , with no exact measure needed — just uncouth signified and practical wisdom .
3 Examples of ‘Rule of Thumb’ in Everyday Conversation
The phrase " ruler of thumb " appears in many post where people need a ready guideline or estimation . Here are some common examples .
In each good example , the convention of pollex provides useful counsel without requiring precise definition or a dandy sight of advanced cognition about a subject . So next time you get word someone observe a " rule of thumb , " remember that it ’s all about a cosmopolitan precept that do work well for most design , even if it ’s not destine as a stately rule orlaw .
We created this article in coincidence with AI technology , then made sure it was fact - check and edit by a HowStuffWorks editor .
