rule of thumb

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But that’s a rule of thumb, not gospel.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

My rule of thumb is to add one cup of cottage cheese for every cup of sauce.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

“The rule of thumb I use with clients is six months liquid, minimum, and that number goes up if you’re carrying financial responsibility for adult children or aging parents.”

From MarketWatch • May 14, 2026

As a rule of thumb, every $10 rise in oil adds about five cents per pound to polyethylene, according to Morales.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

This looks to us like a principle, maxim, or rule of thumb, not a law, because it lacks specificity.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton