".
One discovery I made as I investigated the origin of this phrase is - despite popular belief - in reality it has NOTHING to do with the myth that English law allowed a man to beat his wife with a rod no thicker than his thumb.
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Information sources:
"The meaning and origin of the expression: Rule of thumb". "The Phrase Finder" online. Link: https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/rule-of-thumb.html
"On Language; Misrule of Thumb" by William Safire, January 25, 1998; "New York Times". Link: https://www.nytimes.com/1998/01/25/magazine/on-language-misrule-of-thumb.html#
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Host:
Stephen Carter - Website for this and other shows: https://StressReliefRadio.com - Email: CarterMethod@gmail.com
Listen to previous episodes of this show at either https://StressReliefRadio.com or https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/history-of-everyday-sayings--4209899
Follow the "History of Everyday Sayings" wherever you get your podcasts.
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Technical information:
Recorded with Hindenburg Pro. Edits with TwistedWave, Audacity, Hush, and Levelator. Final edits and rendering with Hindenburg Pro. Microphone: SE Dynacaster DCM8.
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