rule of thumb
noun phrase
1
: a method of procedure based on experience and common sense
2
: a general principle regarded as roughly correct but not intended to be scientifically accurate
Examples of rule of thumb in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The rule of thumb is that if you are tempted to drink alcohol, drink a non-alcoholic beverage instead.
—
Lance Eliot, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
Normal travel time rules of thumb go out the window; a distance of about 100-125 miles (160-200 km) can easily take six or seven hours.
—New Atlas, 24 Dec. 2024
The basic rule of thumb to follow is a quart of water for each inch of the trunk's diameter.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2024
Here are a few tips from experts to get your trees to sparkle with lights:
A good rule of thumb for decorating these trees is to start wrapping lights at the very bottom of the tree to ensure an extension cord can be plugged in at the ground of the tree, where nobody will see it.
—Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 26 Nov. 2024
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Lance Eliot, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
Normal travel time rules of thumb go out the window; a distance of about 100-125 miles (160-200 km) can easily take six or seven hours.
—New Atlas, 24 Dec. 2024
The basic rule of thumb to follow is a quart of water for each inch of the trunk's diameter.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2024
Here are a few tips from experts to get your trees to sparkle with lights:
A good rule of thumb for decorating these trees is to start wrapping lights at the very bottom of the tree to ensure an extension cord can be plugged in at the ground of the tree, where nobody will see it.
—Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rule of thumb
Dictionary Entries Near rule of thumb
Cite this Entry
“Rule of thumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20of%20thumb. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
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