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by Carmella on October 9th, 2006
A rule of thumb is basically a method or principle that is used as a rough and ready practical rule, and doesn't have a precise, scientific basis.
A lot of people believe that the saying came from an Old English law that allowed a man to beat his wife with a stick no wider than his thumb.
There are other theories on how the saying came to be, including it's use as a physical measurement and it's use in testing temperature.
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Comments
interesting with the origin! never heard of that thanks. =)
by davoomac on October 9th, 2006