2006-11-01 00:22:57 · 10 answers · asked by Whistler R 5 in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
A means of estimation made according to a rough and ready practical rule, not based on science or exact measurement.
Origin
This 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. In 1782 Judge Sir Francis Buller is reported as having made this legal ruling. The following year James Gillray published a satirical cartoon attacking Buller and caricaturing him as 'Judge Thumb'. The cartoon shows Buller carrying two bundles of sticks and the caption reads "thumbsticks - for family correction: warranted lawful!"
2006-11-01 02:08:40 · answer #1 · answered by ••Mott•• 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The rule of thumb, as I heard it in the US, comes from a law that used to be in existence which stated that a man could only beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. That, is the rule of thumb.
2006-11-01 08:31:11 · answer #2 · answered by Hans B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is definitely used here in the US a lot it stems from way back when the law was that a man could not be convicted fo a crime if he beat his wife as long as the weapon of choice was smaller than his thumb. Obviously that has changed- but the saying stuck! Hope I helped!
2006-11-01 09:54:02 · answer #3 · answered by Slutlana 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe it's to do with beating your wife!! I thought it was to with measurements. Like from the tip of your thumb to the knuckle is an inch, artist's use it to measure things in the distance. Also seamstresses use it aswell.
2006-11-01 08:44:39 · answer #4 · answered by Chickadee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is were you can beat your wife with a stick that is no wider than your thumb. It was in the earliy 1900's.
2006-11-01 08:32:25 · answer #5 · answered by Jeremy W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
origin? don't know
in germany they use almost the same expression
roughly transalted if something is calculated approxamately then it is said to be "over a thumb"
2006-11-01 08:35:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Isn't that the one where you couldn't beat your wife with an object wider then your thumb?
2006-11-01 08:30:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
A means of estimation made according to a rough and ready practical rule, not based on science or exact measurement.
http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/307000.html
http://www.wordwizard.com/ch_forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=5577&SearchTerms=rule,of,thumb
And, yes, we use it here in the US.
2006-11-01 09:29:30 · answer #8 · answered by shellbugger 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is even used where I live, in the United Arab Emirates - Dubai.
2006-11-01 08:25:48 · answer #9 · answered by Husam L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/307000.html
2006-11-01 08:25:18 · answer #10 · answered by dammers_00 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋