ballpark figure

Register · Informal Informal — used in casual, everyday conversation among friends and family. Avoid in formal writing or professional settings. CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

a rough estimate, not an exact number

Why this phrase?

From baseball: if you're in the ballpark, you're close enough.

Example

“Just give me a ballpark figure for the migration.”

Dictionary details

Alternate forms

ballpark estimate

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

term sheet Neutral · CEFR C1

a non-binding summary of the key terms of a proposed investment

valuation gap Neutral · CEFR C1

the difference between the price a seller believes something is worth and what a buyer will pay

a rip-off Informal · CEFR B1

Something that is far too expensive for what it is.

cost an arm and a leg Informal · CEFR B1

To be extremely expensive.

cut your losses Neutral · CEFR B1

to stop investing in a failing venture in order to avoid further loss

in a tight spot Informal · CEFR B1

in a difficult or dangerous situation

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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