rule of thumb

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The phrase "rule of thumb" is a common English expression that refers to a general guideline or principle that helps people make decisions or determine how to act in different situations. It is not a strict rule but rather a helpful suggestion based on experience or common sense.

Explanation:

• Part of Speech: Noun
• Meaning: A rule or principle that provides guidance to appropriate behavior or actions, often based on practical experience rather than a precise measurement or calculation.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "rule of thumb" to suggest a general guideline that is usually good to follow, even if it might not apply perfectly in every situation.

Example:

• "As a rule of thumb, you should try to save at least 10% of your income each month for future expenses."

Advanced Usage:

• In more advanced settings, "rule of thumb" can be used in professional or academic discussions. For example, in engineering, one might say, "The rule of thumb for calculating material strength is to double the estimated load."

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "rule of thumb," but you can find related phrases like "guideline" or "principle."

Different Meaning:

• "Rule of thumb" does not have significantly different meanings, but it may imply a less formal or less precise approach to rules compared to strict laws or official guidelines.

Synonyms:

• Guideline
• Principle
• Generalization
• Approximation

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• While "rule of thumb" is a standalone phrase, related idioms might include:
  • "Barking up the wrong tree" (meaning to pursue the wrong course of action).
  • "Crossing the line" (meaning to behave inappropriately).

Remember:

• "Rule of thumb" is useful when giving advice or sharing strategies in everyday situations.

Academic

Noun

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

Synonyms

• guidepost
• guideline