finger in the air
1
an unscientific or inaccurate estimate or method
The exact origin of the idiom "finger in the air" is uncertain, but it likely stems from the idea of testing the wind's direction by raising a finger and feeling the airflow. This action is often used metaphorically to represent making a rough estimate or guess based on instinct or intuition rather than precise measurement or calculation.
- He didn't have any data to back up his claim; it was just a finger in the air.
- The CEO's decision seemed like a finger in the air rather than a well-thought-out strategy.
- I don't trust his estimates; he's just putting his finger in the air and hoping for the best.
- The forecast was nothing more than a finger in the air, with no real analysis behind it.
- We need more than just a finger in the air to make important decisions; we need concrete evidence and analysis.