This cartoon (allegedly) depicts the origin of what commonly used phrase?
Answer: The phrase is rule of thumb. According to Wikipedia, the cartoon satirizes British judge Sir Francis Buller for allegedly ruling that a man may beat his wife, provided he use a stick no thicker than his thumb. Matti Tapaninen, mekie, Jamie, Firebringer, Dinesh, and Anirudh Patil got it right.
6 comments:
"Judges Thumb".
In 1782, Judge Francis Buller ruled that a man was allowed to beat his wife, provided that the instrument of violence was no larger around than his thumb.
Rule of thumb
spare the rod, spoil the child
Is this the "rule of thumb" ? That's not true now, is it ?
Rule of thumb - you can't beat your wife with a stick thicker than your you-know-what.
rule of thumb
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