rule of thumb (redirected from rules of thumb)

rule of thumb

n. pl. rules of thumb

A useful principle having wide application but not intended to be strictly accurate or reliable in every situation.

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rule of thumb

n

a.  a rough and practical approach, based on experience, rather than a scientific or precise one based on theory

b.  (as modifier) a rule-of-thumb decision

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

rule of thumb - a rule or principle that provides guidance to appropriate behavior guidepost, guideline rule, regulation - a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior; "it was his rule to take a walk before breakfast"; "short haircuts were the regulation"