RULE OF THUMB

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does rule of thumb mean? 

• RULE OF THUMB (noun)
  The noun RULE OF THUMB has 1 sense:

1. a rule or principle that provides guidance to appropriate behavior

  Familiarity information: RULE OF THUMB used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• RULE OF THUMB (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A rule or principle that provides guidance to appropriate behavior

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Synonyms:

guideline; guidepost; rule of thumb

Hypernyms ("rule of thumb" is a kind of...):

regulation; rule (a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior)

 Context examples 

She was born in a rural district of England, where life proceeds by rule of thumb and the unexpected is so very unexpected that when it happens it is looked upon as an immorality.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)