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database is a comprehensive collection of all the American idioms and slang available.
American Idioms are many and varied. We hope you enjoy our collection. We are adding more all the time.
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A basic rule that is usually but not always correct.
As a rule of thumb, plant tomato seeds three inches deep. 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).
rule of thumb What does rule of thumb mean?
a basic or accepted pattern or rule
It is a rule of thumb in our company that workers with the most seniority get bigger offices.
rule of thumb What does rule of thumb mean?
a basic or accepted pattern or rule
It is a rule of thumb in our company that senior managers get bigger offices.