Ballpark figure

Definitions

• estimate
  To give or provide a rough or approximated number or value, rather than an exact amount.

• general range
  To refer to a broad or approximate range, rather than a specific number or value.

Examples of Ballpark figure

• The cost of the project is around $1 million, give or take a few hundred thousand. That's a ballpark figure, as we're still negotiating with some vendors.

  "Ballpark figure" is a phrase used to describe an approximate estimate, particularly in situations where the exact amount is not yet known or finalized. The phrase comes from baseball, where a ballpark is the stadium where a game is played. When a player hits a fly ball into the outfield, the fielder has to estimate where the ball will land, which is similar to making an estimate or guess about a number. By using this idiom, the speaker is acknowledging that the estimate may not be exact, but it's close enough to provide a general idea of the cost.

Conclusion

The idiom "ballpark figure" is commonly used to refer to giving an estimated or approximate number or value, rather than an exact amount. It can also be used to refer to a general range, rather than a specific number.

Origin of "Ballpark figure"

The origin of the idiom "ballpark figure" comes from the sport of baseball. In the late 1800s, baseball stadiums were often referred to as "ballparks" due to their shape and design. During this time, it became common for announcers and commentators to give estimated attendance numbers during games. These numbers were often rough or approximate, rather than exact figures.

Over time, the phrase "ballpark figure" became associated with giving rough estimates, and it eventually made its way into everyday language and usage. Today, the idiom is used in various contexts and has expanded to refer to not only estimates but also general ranges. It is often used in business, finance, and other industries to refer to estimated or approximate numbers or values.