The expression “rule of thumb” is commonly used in English to refer to a general principle or guideline that is based on practical experience rather than scientific evidence. The origins of this phrase are uncertain, but it is generally believed to have originated in the 17th century as a reference to the practice of measuring things with one’s thumb.
Over time, the phrase has come to be associated with a wide range of practical principles and guidelines, ranging from cooking and construction to investment and personal finance. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning and usage of “rule of thumb,” provide examples of how this expression is commonly used in English, and discuss some common synonyms for this phrase.
Examples of Usage
To give you a better idea of what we mean by “rule of thumb,” let’s look at some examples of how this expression is commonly used in English:
- “As a rule of thumb, I always add a pinch of salt to my pasta water before cooking it.”
- “When investing in stocks, a good rule of thumb is to diversify your portfolio.”
- “A good rule of thumb is to save at least 10% of your income for retirement.”
- “As a rule of thumb, you should never swim alone in open water.”
- “When estimating the cost of a renovation, a good rule of thumb is to budget about 10% more than your initial estimate.”
- “A good rule of thumb for deciding whether or not to take a job offer is to consider whether it will help you achieve your long-term career goals.”
- “When building a deck, a good rule of thumb is to space the boards about 1/8 inch apart to allow for expansion and contraction.”
- “As a rule of thumb, it’s best to avoid discussing politics or religion at the dinner table.”
- “When deciding how much to spend on a car, a good rule of thumb is to aim for a monthly payment that is no more than 10-15% of your take-home pay.”
- “As a rule of thumb, you should always wear sunscreen when spending time outdoors.”
10 Examples of “rule of thumb“
- One common rule of thumb in cooking is to use two cups of water for every one cup of rice.
- A good rule of thumb for estimating how much paint you’ll need for a room is to assume that one gallon will cover about 350 square feet.
- A common rule of thumb for determining how much life insurance you need is to multiply your annual income by 10.
- When planning a road trip, a good rule of thumb is to budget about $50 per day for food and lodging.
- A common rule of thumb for estimating a person’s maximum heart rate is to subtract their age from 220.
- A good rule of thumb for saving money on groceries is to buy generic or store-brand products whenever possible.
- When trying to determine the appropriate amount of clothing to pack for a trip, a good rule of thumb is to plan for one outfit per day.
- A common rule of thumb for determining the appropriate weight of a dumbbell for strength training is to choose a weight that you can comfortably lift for 8-12 reps.
- A good rule of thumb for maintaining a healthy diet is to aim for a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats at each meal.
- When renovating a kitchen, a good rule of thumb is to allocate about 25% of your budget to cabinets and countertops.
Rule of Thumb Synonym
There are many synonyms for “rule of thumb” that you might encounter in English. Some of the most common synonyms include:
- Guideline
- Principle
- Maxim
- Adage
- Precept
All of these words can be used interchangeably with “rule of thumb” in most contexts, although some may be more appropriate than others depending on the situation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the expression “rule of thumb” is a versatile and commonly used phrase in English that refers to a practical principle or guideline based on experience rather than scientific evidence. This expression can be applied to a wide range of topics, from cooking and construction to personal finance and investing. By understanding the meaning and usage of “rule of thumb,” you can communicate more effectively in English and make better decisions based on practical experience and common sense.