Idioms

draw an inference

draw an inference

To come to or infer a conclusion from or regarding the information with which one is presented. If we look at the data across all demographics in the country, we can draw an inference as to the effect this policy has had. I invite the public to draw an inference from the televised debates as to who is truly better able to lead the country. I don't think we have enough information yet to draw an inference that is actually reliable.
See also: an, draw
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

draw an inference

Conclude, as in From his wording, we can draw the inference that he disapproves. This idiom is a long-winded way of saying infer. [Late 1600s]
See also: an, draw
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
See also:
References in periodicals archive
Bain's counsel, Nicholas Ellis QC, told yesterday's hearing: "There already appear to be circumstances from which it would appear to be appropriate to draw an inference that the defenders are practically insolvent - or at least verging on it by not paying their debts as they fall due."
"It is open to you to draw an inference that he has no recollection of what occurred.
Agard argued that the prosecutor's suggestion to draw a negative inference from his presence at trial was analytically the same as a prosecutor's suggestion to draw an inference from the defendant's refusal to testify at trial.
At trial, the judge suggested to the jury that it could draw an inference of guilt from Mr Turcotte's refusal to answer, and he was convicted.
Peirsel's treatment of the patient's wound enabled the jury to draw an inference that these witnesses, if produced, would not have testified adversely.
Warrant (what gives you license to draw an inference from your grounds): Since effective argumentation is a criterion for being a good trial lawyer.
Under the Order, the fact-finder can draw an inference of guilt if a defendant chooses to remain silent.
In the complete absence of any defense evidence, the trier of fact may draw an inference that no such evidence exists, that the mental element of the crime existed in fact, and that any excuse or affirmative defense raised is insupportable.
Mr Orde told Board members: "One could draw an inference from that that there's more organisation on the republican side and less control from loyalists."
He added however, ``It would be wrong to draw an inference from this appointment on the timing of a referendum on the euro - that will depend on the assessment of the Treasury's five economic tests.''
The legislation will broaden the conditions under which employers are liable for indirect sex discrimination, and employment tribunals will be obliged to draw an inference of sex discrimination where employers fail to provide a satisfactory reason for treating a woman differently from a man.
In such circumstances, it was open for the trial judge to draw an inference that the retrobulbar bleeding caused the injury.
It lengthens the amount of time police can keep people suspected of swallowing drugs to conceal them so packages have time to pass through their bodies and allows judges to direct a jury to draw an inference from the fact a suspect has refused permission for a body cavity search or an X-ray.
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