figure (redirected from put a figure on)

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: ballpark

be a fine figure of a man/woman (old-fashioned)

to be someone who is big and strong with an attractive body. She's a fine figure of a woman - not like all these skinny models.

See also: fine, man, woman

cut a fine figure (British, American & Australian, old-fashioned, British, old-fashioned)

if someone cuts a fine figure, people admire their appearance, usually because they are wearing attractive clothes. Giles cut a fine figure in his black velvet suit. Lucy cut a dash in her purple satin ballgown.

See also: cut, fine

cut an [interesting/ridiculous/unusual etc.] figure

if someone cuts an interesting, ridiculous, unusual etc. figure, they seem interesting, ridiculous, unusual etc.. My Russian uncle cut an unusual figure among the very British audience.

See also: cut, interesting, ridiculous

a figure of fun

someone who people laugh at because they seem silly or stupid. She's fed up with being treated as a figure of fun and insists that her ideas deserve serious attention.

See also: fun

---

cut a figure

to create an image. Wielding a knife and covered in blood, the actress cut a figure that was terrifying.

Usage notes: usually used with an adjective before figure: He was tall and slim and cut a handsome figure.

See also: cut

figure on something

1. to expect something. I'd better not figure on staying with them if they already have weekend guests.

2. to plan something. I had figured on serving ten people dinner and had just the right amount of food.

figure someone out

to understand why someone behaves the way they do. I've never been able to figure her out. Could anyone ever figure out my parents?

figure out something

to understand something by thinking about it. After I figured out that I would earn only eighty cents an hour, I said forget it. She spent an hour trying to install the software, but John finally figured it out.

puzzle out something

go figure

I do not understand this. The paint was really good, so they stopped making it — go figure, right? A bus station is where a bus stops. On my desk I have a work station. Go figure.

Usage notes: used after making a statement to show that you think the situation you described is silly

don't ask me