Rule of ThumbRule of Thumb : PhrasesMeaning: A basic rule that is usually but not always correct. Example: As a rule of thumb, plant tomato seeds three inches deep. Origin: Based on the use of ones thumb as a rough measurement tool. Generally correct for course measures. Most old English measures of distance were based on the body measurements of the king - the length of the foot, inch (thumb tip to first knuckle), cubit (elbow-to-fingertip), and yard (nose-to-fingertip). Alternative: Old English law (and potentially early American law) declared that it was okay for a man to beat his wife but had to use a stick no larger in diameter than his thumb. There is no truth to the rumor that this law was an early start to the women's rights movement. Phrases Index
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