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The phrase rule of thumb first became associated with domestic abuse in the late 1970s, when an author mentioned the idiom in an article but did not say that there was any such legal rule. After this, an incorrect belief that there was an actual legal rule spread.
From its seemingly innocuous beginnings to its surprisingly violent turn, here’s everything you need to know about the origins and history of “rule of thumb.” The expression’s exact origins are unknown, but its earliest known use was documented in the 17th century.
Where does the phrase 'rule of thumb' come from? It frequently refers to using the tip of the thumb as a unit of measurement (which is as convenient as it is inexact). A commonly heard alternative, however, states the ‘rule of thumb’ was the creation of 18th-century English judge, Sir Francis Buller.
What's the origin of the phrase 'Rule of thumb'? In the popular imagination, in England at least, the ‘rule of thumb’ has been said to derive from the belief that English law allowed a man to beat his wife with a stick so long as it is was no thicker than his thumb.
Cooking: "A good rule of thumb for cooking pasta is to use one quart of water for every four ounces of pasta."; Science or engineering: "A rule of thumb for electric power is that every 750 watts roughly equals one horsepower."In this case, the conversion isn't exact, but it offers an easy and "close enough" way to estimate power needs. Everyday budgeting: "A rule of thumb for saving money is ...
There is a widespread belief that the phrase rule of thumb has its origins in an old legal doctrine that says a husband has the right to beat his wife so long as the weapon used is no thicker than a person’s thumb. Such a belief, to use the coinage of Henry Ansgar Kelly, is folklaw.
The earliest known use of the phrase rule of thumb is in the mid 1600s. OED's earliest evidence for rule of thumb is from before 1658, in the writing of James Durham, Church of Scotland minister.
The phrase “rule of thumb” is an idiom that has been used for centuries to describe a general principle or guideline. Its origins can be traced back to early English common law, where it was used in reference to a legal concept known as the “thumb rule.”
What Is the Origin of the Saying "Rule of Thumb"? The term "rule of thumb" means roughly or approximately. As a general rule of thumb, I do not drink coffee after 5pm. A good rule of thumb is that you need a 10% deposit to buy property. The idiom "rule of thumb" originated in the 17th century.
Rule of Thumb Idiom Origins. The origin of the phrase “rule of thumb” is somewhat disputed and hazy, making its historical exploration intriguing: Possible Legal Origin: One commonly cited, albeit debated, origin ties the phrase to an alleged law that permitted a man to beat his wife with a stick, given that it was no thicker than his thumb ...