Let’s delve into the idiom ‘ballpark figure,’ unraveling its meaning, tracing its origin, exploring real-life examples, and discovering quotes that shed light on the essence of this expressive phrase. Ready for a linguistic journey? Let’s get started!
Meaning of the Idiom
The idiom ‘ballpark figure’ is used to describe an approximate or rough numerical estimate rather than an exact or precise one. It implies a range or general area within which a quantity or value is expected, providing a sense of approximation without specifying an exact amount.
Origin of the Idiom
The origin of “ballpark figure” is rooted in the idea of estimating numbers in a ballpark, particularly in the context of sports. In the mid-20th century, announcers and commentators in baseball used the term to refer to the approximate number of spectators present. Over time, it extended to general usage for rough numerical estimates in various contexts.
10 Idiom Examples in Real-Life Conversations
1. When discussing the budget for the project, the manager provided a ballpark figure for the expected costs.
2. The real estate agent offered a ballpark figure for the value of the house, considering the current market conditions.
3. In negotiations, it’s common to start with a ballpark figure for the price and then fine-tune the details.
4. The scientist shared a ballpark figure for the potential impact of the new discovery, pending further research.
5. During the interview, the candidate was asked to provide a ballpark figure of the sales targets they achieved in their previous role.
6. The financial advisor gave the client a ballpark figure for the retirement savings needed to maintain their desired lifestyle.
7. When planning the event, the organizer started with a ballpark figure of attendees before sending out official invitations.
8. The car mechanic gave a ballpark figure for the cost of repairs, explaining that the final amount might vary based on the extent of the damage.
9. In business negotiations, it’s essential to have a ballpark figure in mind to guide discussions without committing to precise numbers too soon.
10. The CEO provided a ballpark figure for the company’s revenue projections in the upcoming fiscal year during the annual shareholders’ meeting.
10 Quotes Using the Idiom
1. “In the world of business, having a ballpark figure in mind can help guide negotiations and set realistic expectations.” – Unknown
2. “When planning your budget, always start with a ballpark figure for each expense category before getting into the details.” – Unknown
3. “Life rarely provides us with precise numbers; it’s often about working with ballpark figures and adapting along the way.” – Unknown
4. “Estimating the time needed for a project usually begins with a ballpark figure, with the details refined as the plan takes shape.” – Unknown
5. “When discussing potential outcomes, it’s wise to provide a ballpark figure to convey a sense of expectations without committing to certainty.” – Unknown
6. “In the world of investing, understanding the concept of a ballpark figure can be valuable in making informed decisions.” – Unknown
7. “Negotiations often involve starting with a ballpark figure and then fine-tuning the details to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.” – Unknown
8. “When setting personal goals, begin with a ballpark figure of what success looks like, and let the journey refine the details.” – Unknown
9. “Forecasting future trends in the market involves working with ballpark figures, acknowledging the dynamic nature of economic landscapes.” – Unknown
10. “Providing a ballpark figure in discussions allows for flexibility while still offering a clear sense of the expected range.” – Unknown
Idioms Starting From Letter B
Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter B. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘B’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the B-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter B.
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