English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Ballpark figure
Meaning
A "ballpark figure" is an approximate or rough estimate of something, typically given without precise measurements or calculations. It is a way to give a general idea of the size, quantity, or value of something, often when more accurate information is not readily available or practical to obtain.
Usage
- The salesman gave me a ballpark figure of how much it would cost to install new windows in my house.
- I need a ballpark estimate of the time it will take to complete this project.
- The CEO asked for a ballpark figure of the company's revenue for the next quarter.
- The weather forecast predicted a chance of rain with a 50% probability, which is just a rough ballpark figure.
- The doctor estimated that the patient would need a few days to recover, but gave me a more precise ballpark figure of three to five days. The usage of "ballpark figure" can vary depending on the context. For example, in business or finance, it may be used to estimate costs or revenues for planning purposes. In sports, it may be used to predict the outcome of a game or match based on previous performance and other factors.
Roots and History
The origin of "ballpark figure" is not entirely clear, but there are several theories. One theory suggests that it comes from the practice of tossing a ball into a ballpark (a rough estimate) to get an idea of the distance or size of something. Another theory suggests that it comes from the practice of estimating distances based on the number of balls you could hit with a bat in a baseball stadium, which would give you a rough idea of how long it would take to travel that distance. Over time, the meaning and usage of "ballpark figure" may have evolved as it became more commonly used. However, its general sense of giving an approximate estimate remains constant.
Synonyms in English
- Approximate estimate
- Rough guess
- Guesswork
- Guesstimation
- Wild guess
Synonyms in other languages
- 仲議 (Japanese) - A rough estimate or approximation based on consensus or shared opinion.
- אתה מספדרה (Hebrew) - An estimate or approximation, often used to indicate uncertainty or imprecision.
- استمراري البدوء (Arabic) - A rough estimate or approximation based on intuition and experience rather than precise measurements.
- שקעה (Hebrew) - An estimate or approximation, often used to indicate uncertainty or imprecision.
- نוספרת ניחשן מכולן (Hebrew) - A rough estimate or approximation based on available information and common sense, often used in business or finance.