Why is it called ballpark estimate?
5 min read
Asked by: Rebecca Tanner
A: Okay, well, it’s as American as it sounds – named after the baseball stadium, which was first called a ballpark in the 1890s. A “ballpark figure/estimate” means an off-the-cuff guess. An approximation.May 9, 2019
Where does the term ballpark estimate come from?
The origin of this phrase comes from how a commentator would give an estimate of the number of audiences by just looking around. Speculated to have started in America through baseball but it is now a popular way of speaking throughout the world.
Why is it called Ball Park?
This idiom originates from the game of baseball. The ball park has a set number of seats. On the day of the game, the commentator would estimate the number of people attending the game. That estimated figure became known as the ball park figure.
What does ballpark estimate mean?
a very rough approximation
ballpark estimate (plural ballpark estimates) (idiomatic) A ballpark figure; a very rough approximation.
What is the ballpark analogy about?
If one person or thing is in the same ballpark as another, the first person or thing is similar to the second, or is as good as the second.
How do you use ballpark estimate?
His ballpark estimate includes dedicated equipment, software and payroll system modifications. My problem is that I have no idea what the response will be, so I can’t come up with even a ballpark estimate of the amount of inventory I’ll need. But he won’t give even a ballpark estimate of what the quotas would be.
Is ballpark an idiom?
In the ballpark and hit one out of the ballpark are two American idioms that seem like they would have opposite meanings, but in fact have definitions that are unrelated.
What does a fish out of water mean?
A person away from his or her usual environment or activities. For example, Using a computer for the first time, Carl felt like a fish out of water, or On a hiking trail, Nell was a fish out of water. This expression alludes to the fact that fish cannot survive for long on dry land. [ Late 1300s]
What does it mean to hit it out of the ballpark?
to do something extremely well: The two chefs hit the ball out of the park with this entrée. She would then proceed to knock the ball out of the park with one outstanding performance after another.
What is the meaning of no one’s cup of tea?
If something is not your cup of tea, it is not the type of thing that you like: Thanks for inviting me, but ballet isn’t really my cup of tea. Not liking. abhor. abide.
What is jumping the gun?
Start doing something too soon, act too hastily. For example, The local weather bureau jumped the gun on predicting a storm; it didn’t happen for another two days. This expression alludes to starting a race before the starter’s gun has gone off, and supplants the earlier beat the pistol, which dates from about 1900. [
What does a drop in the ocean mean?
Definition of a drop in the ocean
: an amount that is so small that it does not make an important difference or have much effect They need to raise thousands of pounds for this project, so our 20-pound donation is just a drop in the ocean.
What is the meaning of the idiom chew the fat?
Chat in a friendly, leisurely way, as in Let’s get together for coffee and chew the fat, or John and Dave spend hours just chewing the rag. Before the 1880s in Britain, chew the fat meant “to grumble or complain,” and chew the rag also has been used in this way.
What does the apple of someone’s eye mean?
someone loves very much
Definition of the apple of someone’s eye
: a person or thing that someone loves very much His daughter is the apple of his eye.
What dies well heeled mean?
having plenty of money
Definition of well-heeled
: having plenty of money : well-fixed.
What is the Elbow Room meaning?
Definition of elbow room
1a : room for moving the elbows freely. b : adequate space for work or operation a lab with plenty of elbow room.
What does the phrase hand in glove mean?
in extremely close relationship or agreement
Definition of hand in glove
: in extremely close relationship or agreement working hand in glove with the police.
What does the idiom at the crack of dawn mean?
very early in the morning
Definition of at the crack of dawn
: very early in the morning : at dawn We got up at the crack of dawn to go fishing.
What is the meaning of the idiom forty winks?
a short sleep
Definition of forty winks
: a short sleep : nap.
What does barking up the wrong tree mean idiom?
Waste one’s efforts by pursuing the wrong thing or path, as in If you think I can come up with more money, you’re barking up the wrong tree. This term comes from the nocturnal pursuit of raccoon-hunting with the aid of dogs.
What does beating around the bush mean?
to avoid giving a definite answer or position. Please stop beating around the bush and tell me the full story.
What does it mean to strike while the iron is hot?
Definition of strike while the iron is hot
: to do something immediately while there is still a good chance to do it.
What does it mean to get long in the tooth?
Getting on in years, old, as in Aunt Aggie’s a little long in the tooth to be helping us move. This expression alludes to a horse’s gums receding with age and making the teeth appear longer. [
What does bend the rod while it’s still hot mean?
(idiomatic) To act on an opportunity promptly while favorable conditions exist; to avoid waiting. We should strike while the iron is hot and order some immediately, before they change the offer.
