PhrasesHub

A ball park figure

    Definitions

      • an approximate or rough estimate
        To refer to a rough or approximate number or value, usually used when discussing financial or numerical matters

    Examples of A ball park figure

    • The cost of the new project is around $10 million, which is just a ball park figure. We're still finalizing the exact expenses.

      This example shows how the idiom "a ball park figure" is used to indicate that the provided amount is an approximate estimate, rather than an exact figure. It implies that the actual cost might differ from this initial estimate.

    • Our sales projections for next year are anywhere from $70 million to $80 million, but we're cautiously optimistic and consider $75 million a ball park figure.

      Here, the idiom is used in a different context, as an estimate for future earnings rather than expenses.

    • The CEO refused to give a specific number for the company's profits, stating only that it was a ball park figure of over $500 million.

      This example illustrates how the idiom can be combined with superlatives or qualifiers to express a range of values.

    • The team's budget for marketing was a ball park figure, and they're currently tracking their expenses to see if they'll exceed that estimate.

      This example shows how the use of the idiom can be combined with ongoing financial monitoring to accurately manage costs and revenues.

    • The cost of building the new stadium is a ball park figure of $500 million.

      This is an example of using the idiom "a ball park figure" to indicate an approximate or estimated amount, in this case, for the cost of building a new stadium. The exact cost may be higher or lower, but $500 million provides a general idea or range of what can be expected.

    • The population of the city is around 1 million, give or take a few ball park figures.

      Here, "a few ball park figures" is used to signify that the exact population may not be precisely 1 million, but instead, could be slightly lower or higher than that number, as it is difficult to accurately determine an exact population due to various factors such as migration and birth rates.

    • The sales projections for the new product are a ball park figure of $10 million for the first year.

      This example illustrates the use of the idiom in a business context, where an estimated sales figure is presented as approximated, rather than exact, due to unforeseen circumstances that could affect the final sales figures.

    • The length of the hiking trail is a ball park figure of 10 miles, but once you add in the hills and winding paths, it might take a little longer.

      Here, the idiom is used to indicate that the distance of the hiking trail has been estimated at 10 miles, but there might be additional factors such as difficult terrain that could increase the actual distance and duration of the hike.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a ball park figure" is used to indicate that a number or value is not exact, but rather a rough estimate. It is often used in business or finance to give a general idea of a number without claiming precision.

    Origin of "A ball park figure"

    The origin of the idiom "a ball park figure" dates back to the mid-20th century and is related to the ballpark as a sports venue. In the context of financial estimates, it is believed to have originated from the idea of making a quick estimate, much like guessing the number of people in a stadium without counting them individually. The idiom has since evolved to be used in a wider range of contexts beyond sports and finance, and is now a common expression in everyday language.