ballpark

ballpark figure

Fig. an estimate; an off-the-cuff guess. I don't need an exact number. A ballpark figure will do.

See also: figure

in the ballpark

Fig. within certain boundaries; [of an estimate] close to what is expected. Your estimate is not even in the ballpark. Please try again.

out of the ballpark

Fig. beyond the amount of money suggested or available. Your estimate is completely out of the ballpark. Just forget it.

See also: out

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a ballpark estimate/figure

a number which is only approximate, but which should be near to the correct number We're expecting sales of the book to generate around $10,000 dollars, although obviously that's just a ballpark figure.

See also: estimate

be in the same ballpark

to be of a similar amount or cost Jamie makes over two hundred thousand dollars and I don't know exactly how much Tom makes but I guess it's in the same ballpark.

See also: same

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in the ballpark

within an acceptable or similar range We weren't even in the ballpark – we offered $170 million, but the offer they accepted was for $350 million.

in the same ballpark

of a similar nature When it comes to budget cuts, tourism just isn't in the same ballpark as education and public safety.

See also: same