The phrase "by rule of thumb" means using a general principle or method that is not exact or precise. There are many synonyms for this idiom, including "roughly", "approximately", "more or less", "generally", "in a broad sense", "ballpark", and "rule of general application". These similar phrases emphasize the idea that the approach being taken is not always accurate or reliable but can be helpful in certain situations. When using these types of expressions, it is important to consider the context and whether a more specific approach is necessary for the task at hand.