Finger in the air
phrase
An estimation or decision made without using precise data or calculations, and based instead on rough guesswork.
They have no concrete plan for the project, it's just a finger in the air estimate right now.
Often appears as...
- finger in the air estimate
- finger in the air guess
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrase
A method of testing the direction of the wind by wetting a finger and holding it up in the air.
He put a finger in the air to see which way the wind was blowing before setting up the kite.
Often appears as...
- put a finger in the air
- finger in the air method
phrase
An estimation or decision made without using precise data or calculations, and based instead on rough guesswork.
They have no concrete plan for the project, it's just a finger in the air estimate right now.
Often appears as...
- finger in the air estimate
- finger in the air guess
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrase
A method of testing the direction of the wind by wetting a finger and holding it up in the air.
He put a finger in the air to see which way the wind was blowing before setting up the kite.
Often appears as...
- put a finger in the air
- finger in the air method
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Casual Use
This phrase is informal and best used in casual or business colloquial settings.
We'll start with a finger in the air approach and refine the details later.
Pro Tip 2/3Initial Stage
Often used when precise information is unavailable or the situation is at an early stage.
Our timeline is just a finger in the air at this point.
Pro Tip 3/3Implies Flexibility
Suggests that the estimate could change when more information is available.
We have a finger in the air cost projection but we'll adjust as we go.
Pro Tip 1/3Casual Use
This phrase is informal and best used in casual or business colloquial settings.
We'll start with a finger in the air approach and refine the details later.
Pro Tip 2/3Initial Stage
Often used when precise information is unavailable or the situation is at an early stage.
Our timeline is just a finger in the air at this point.
Pro Tip 3/3Implies Flexibility
Suggests that the estimate could change when more information is available.
We have a finger in the air cost projection but we'll adjust as we go.
Pro Tip 1/3Casual Use
This phrase is informal and best used in casual or business colloquial settings.
We'll start with a finger in the air approach and refine the details later.
Pro Tip 2/3Initial Stage
Often used when precise information is unavailable or the situation is at an early stage.
Our timeline is just a finger in the air at this point.
Pro Tip 3/3Implies Flexibility
Suggests that the estimate could change when more information is available.
We have a finger in the air cost projection but we'll adjust as we go.
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