ballpark figure
An educated guess or estimation within acceptable bounds.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Can you give me a ballpark figure for the cost?”
“We don't need exact numbers yet — just a ballpark figure to start planning the budget.”
“The architect offered a ballpark figure for the renovation, warning that permits and unforeseen structural issues could push the final cost considerably higher.”
Operating on the themes discussed at in the ballpark § Etymology.
- 01
ballpark estimate
A ballpark figure; a very rough approximation.
- 02
cut a figure
To present an image; to make an impression.
- 03
hit one out of the ballpark
To produce a spectacular achievement.
- 04
it figures
Used to indicate that a preceding event or statement by another is an unsurprising accompaniment of known facts and circumstances.
- 05
that figures
Alternative form of it figures.
Last updated August 10, 2026