The phrase "putting on the cuff" often refers to the act of fastening a shirt cuff. It is pronounced /ˈpʊtɪŋ ɒn ðə kʌf/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "pu" sound is pronounced with a short "u" sound, followed by the "t" sound. The "ing" sound is pronounced as a nasalized "ng" sound. The "on" sound is pronounced with a short "o" sound, followed by the "n" sound. The "the" sound is pronounced with a voiced "th" sound, followed by a short "uh" sound. The "cuff" sound is pronounced with a voiced "k" sound, followed by a short "uh" sound and a voiced "f" sound.
"Putting on the cuff" is a phrase that originated from the world of finance and refers to the act of making an estimate or calculation, typically a rough or approximate one. This term dates back to the early 19th century, when people used to keep notes or calculations on their shirt cuffs to quickly reference during transactions or negotiations.
In a broader sense, "putting on the cuff" has come to mean making a guess or an estimate without the use of precise measurements or accurate data. It implies a quick and rudimentary calculation or projection, often used when time is limited or when exact measurements are not available.
The phrase is closely related to the concept of "back-of-the-napkin calculations," where someone quickly jots down rough estimations or figures on a napkin to gain a general idea or to explore the feasibility of a particular concept or idea.
However, it is important to note that "putting on the cuff" suggests an approach that lacks precision and accuracy. It is often used colloquially to indicate a rough estimate rather than a carefully calculated figure.
Overall, "putting on the cuff" refers to the act of making an approximate guess or estimation without relying on meticulous calculations or precise data.