• Rule of Thumb
Words the Coach Uses: “Rule of Thumb”
Originally, the thumb, from the end to the first joint, became a unit of measurement, equivalent to about an inch. However, the “rule of thumb” has come to mean an estimate based upon experience, a rough calculation, as opposed to careful calculation. For me, it is a quick reference and/or an easy way to generalize from experience, particularly when in a discussion, when accuracy cannot be accomplished (no resources like calculator, reference works, etc.). You might call it, a mental “guesstimate,” or an estimate based upon experience rather than careful calculation.
Example: “About one fourth (25%) of a church’s attendance is children from 0 to 12 years old.” It is a starting point, it could be more or less, but it remains my “rule of thumb.”
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