Understanding Ballparks: A Look at Baseball Idioms
"Ballpark" is frequently used as a synonym for "baseball stadium"
where the sport of baseball is played.
Ballpark Number, Figure, Estimate
What is it?
A ballpark number, ballpark figure, or ballpark estimate is a general estimate that is unintended to be an exact answer, yet is thought to be relatively close to the true number or figure. These terms can be used when discussing time, money, finances, etc.
Example: Sarah and Greg have been working on a project for a few weeks. The project has two stages that need to be completed in order. Sarah has finished her section of stage one, and is waiting on Greg to finish his portion of the work. Sarah asks Greg for a “ballpark estimate” for how much time it will take to finish his work, so they can move onto the next stage. Greg responds by saying that he will be finished tomorrow afternoon. For this idiom, it is important to understand that a general estimate, or “ballpark number,” is dependent on the situation in which the phrase is used. Depending on who is asking or the timeframe of the project, a “ballpark estimate” can be anywhere from minutes to months. A “ballpark estimate” has a similarly wide range of answers when discussing numbers, and depend on the situation.
To be “in the ballpark”
What is it?
"In the ballpark" is a phrase meaning you are near your desired figure. The phrase can also mean that you are close to completing a goal, but still have an inexact amount of time or effort before the task complete.
Example: Jeff is looking to sell his company to Karen. Karen sends a proposal to Jeff, who responds by saying that Karen's offer is “in the ballpark." In this context, Jeff is saying that Karen is close to the figure he wants and that they are on the right track to get a deal done.
Example: John and Kim are working on a project together at the same company. Their manager asks them how close they are to completing the project, so John and Kim respond by saying they are “in the ballpark.” For this situation, the idiom has a meaning that suggests John and Kim are close to completion, but still have an inexact amount of time/work before it is complete.
To “hit it out of the ballpark” or “to “hit it out of the park”
What is it?
To hit it out of the ballpark means to succeed beyond expectations, or to achieve a clear victory.
Example: Alex and Brenda have recently completed a project in a way that results in a substantially better outcome than their company anticipated. After their success, their manager tells them that they have “hit it out of the park.” In this scenario their manager is congratulating them on exceeding his, and the company's, expectations.