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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 12-May-2008, 08:30
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Default Rule of thumb

You can get the definition of this idiom here.
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Old 12-May-2008, 10:52
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Default Re: Rule of thumb

Let's get down to brass tacks.
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Old 12-May-2008, 13:29
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Default Re: Rule of thumb

In what context could I use this idiom?

X: I followed the instructions of someone. He told me to look for what I want in my dictionary.
Y: It's rule of thumb that.

Am I into deep? Or does it work?
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Old 12-May-2008, 13:55
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Default Re: Rule of thumb

Quote:
Originally Posted by philadelphia View Post
In what context could I use this idiom?

X: I followed the instructions of someone. He told me to look for what I want in my dictionary.
Y: It's rule of thumb that.

Am I into deep? Or does it work?
Not really, philadelphia.
A: How much is a portion of rice?
B: A rule of thumb is that it is is two and a half handfuls.


Rule of thumb is "likely that it refers to one of the numerous ways that thumbs have been used to estimate things - judging the alignment or distance of an object by holding the thumb in one's eye-line, the temperature of brews of beer, measurement of an inch from the joint to the nail to the tip, or across the thumb, etc."
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Old 12-May-2008, 18:01
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Default Re: Rule of thumb

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Originally Posted by banderas View Post
Not really, philadelphia.
A: How much is a portion of rice?
B: A rule of thumb is that it is is two and a half handfuls.


Rule of thumb is "likely that it refers to one of the numerous ways that thumbs have been used to estimate things - judging the alignment or distance of an object by holding the thumb in one's eye-line, the temperature of brews of beer, measurement of an inch from the joint to the nail to the tip, or across the thumb, etc."
Banderas's example is just right. If you use a rule of thumb measurement you are satisfied with an approximate measurement. You don't need exactitude.
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Old 13-May-2008, 00:19
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Default Re: Rule of thumb

Definitely closer. It will be helpful for me. I get it! Thanks both banderas and RonBee.
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