a rule of thumb

a rule of thumb的音标是[ə] [ruːl] [əʊ] [θʌm]，基本翻译是经验法则，速记技巧是记住这个单词和thumb（拇指）有关，因为要遵循一条拇指那么粗的经验法则。

Rule of thumb这个词的词源可以追溯到19世纪，当时它指的是一种粗略的、不精确的估计方法。这个词的意思逐渐演变为指代一种不道德或不合法的行为准则，即用手势来决定是否应该继续或停止某事。

变化形式：

原形：rule of thumb

复数形式：rules of thumbs

过去式：ruled of thumb

过去分词：ruled of thumbs

现在分词：ruling of thumbs

相关单词：

1. Thumb - 拇指，与这个词源有关，因为人们在用手势决定是否应该继续或停止某事时，通常会用拇指来示意。

2. Rule - 规则，这个词与rule of thumb的词源相似，也表示一种不道德或不合法的行为准则。

3. Rule book - 规则手册，这个词表示包含有明确规则的手册。

4. Rule of law - 法治，这个词表示按照法律规则来治理国家或社会。

5. Rule over - 统治，这个词表示统治某个地方或领域。

6. Rule in - 裁决，这个词表示做出决定或裁决。

7. Thumb screw - 旋紧螺母的螺丝，这个词表示用于固定旋紧螺母的螺丝。

8. Thumb drive - U盘，这个词表示用于数据传输的小型USB存储设备，因其外形类似人的拇指而得名。

9. Thumbprint - 指纹，这个词表示通过手指印迹来识别个人身份的方法。

10. Thumbscrew - 绞刑架，这个词来源于中世纪的一种刑具，因其形状类似于人的拇指而得名。

Rule of Thumb

常用短语：

1. Rule your tongue - 说话要谨慎

2. Follow the rule - 遵守规则

3. Break the rules - 违反规则

4. Set a new rule - 制定新规则

5. Rule out - 排除

6. Rule of thirds - 三分法规则

7. Rule of six - 六人法则

例句：

1. Be sure to follow the rule of thumb for estimating how much to eat.

2. I always try to rule out any possibility of failure before taking a big decision.

3. They broke all the rules to create a new product that has become a huge success.

4. We need to set a new rule for dealing with workplace harassment.

5. The photographer followed the rule of thirds to create a balanced composition.

6. Six people can have a great time doing anything they want to do together.

7. We need to be mindful of not crossing the line when it comes to personal boundaries.

英文小作文：

Rules are important for maintaining order and safety, but sometimes rules can be challenging to follow. I believe that we should always try to understand the reasons behind the rules and respect them, even if we disagree with them. At the same time, we should always be open to making changes or creating new rules when it is necessary. For example, I think that we should always be mindful of our carbon footprint and try to reduce our environmental impact, which means following the rule of thumb for recycling and reducing our consumption of resources. In conclusion, rules are there to help us, but we should always remember that we have the power to make changes when necessary.