What Does "Rule of Thumb" Mean?
"Rule of thumb" is an English idiom. It means "a general guideline, principle, or method of estimation that is commonly accepted and used as a practical, though not always precise, rule."Examples in Sentences
Here are three examples of the idiom "rule of thumb" used in a sentence:- A rule of thumb for saving money is to set aside at least 20% of your income each month for future expenses.
- In cooking, a useful rule of thumb is to season dishes with a pinch of salt and then taste and adjust as needed.
- While it's a helpful rule of thumb, the 8x8 guideline (eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day) may not apply to everyone's hydration needs.
What Is an Idiom?
An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Rule of Thumb" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.
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