One theory about the phrase’s origin lies in the misplaced public belief that the English law allowed man to beat his wife with a stick measuring no longer than his thumb. There was actually no such English law enacted at any time This phrase has been in circulation since the 17th century. This phrase commonly refers to any means of estimation based on a practical and ready method but not on scientific measurement. Another theory concerning the phrase’s origin involves the numerous ways in which thumbs have been used for estimation. Some examples are — measurement of distance based on an estimated inch which is about the length of a thumb; judging the alignment or distance of an object by holding the thumb at eye level etc.
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