That’s About the Size of It:
Definition:
An approximately accurate version of a situation, event, or circumstance; essentially means “this is the gist of it” or “that’s the long and short of it.”
Antonyms:
- As clear as mud
- Far off the mark
- Completely inaccurate
- Way off base
Synonyms:
- That’s the gist of it
- Summing it up
- That’s the long and short of it
- That’s pretty much it
Related Phrases:
- Hitting the nail on the head
- Ballpark figure
- Pretty much sums it up
- Fair estimation
Humor-filled Quotes:
“That’s about the size of it—give or take an inch or two.” —Anonymous
“Summing it up ’cause a life paragraph might scare you off.” —Comic Quoter
Proverbs and Sayings:
- “The sum of the parts is greater than the whole.”
- “From small beginnings come great things.”
- “Every picture tells a story.”
Literary References:
- Books: “Everything Is Obvious: How Common Sense Fails Us” by Duncan J. Watts, “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
- Movies: “The Adjustment Bureau” (2011), “The Matrix” (1999)
- Poetry: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
- Songs: “Let It Be” by The Beatles, “Life’s What You Make It” by Talk Talk
Inspirational Thought:
“Every estimation of life, every summary of a story, is an art painted by perspective’s brush—find beauty in every stroke.” —Clare M. Sharp
Quizzes to Master the Concept:
### Which of these phrases means an approximate estimation?
- [x] That’s about the size of it
- [ ] This is a hard climb
- [ ] Golden apples to oranges
- [ ] Raining cats and dogs
> **Explanation:** "That’s about the size of it" means a rough estimation or summary.
### Choose the phrase that implies 'hitting the nail on the head.'
- [x] Spot on
- [ ] Off the rocker
- [ ] Taking the road less traveled
- [ ] Herding cats
> **Explanation:** "Spot on" means exactly right, equating to hitting the nail on the head.
### True or False: 'Summing it up' is a synonym for 'That’s about the size of it.'
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** 'Summing it up' conveys the same idea as 'That’s about the size of it.'
### Which idiom is used to say something is generally accurate?
- [ ] Hocus pocus
- [x] Ballpark figure
- [ ] Eat crow
- [ ] Back down
> **Explanation:** 'Ballpark figure' means a rough estimation, similar to 'That’s about the size of it.'
### Select the phrase that shares a meaning with ‘fair estimation.'
- [x] That’s the gist of it
- [ ] Open a can of worms
- [ ] Break the ice
- [ ] Bite the bullet
> **Explanation:** 'That’s the gist of it' is akin to a fair estimation, concisely summarizing a situation.
Farewell Reflection: “In the grand summaries and estimated thoughts, may we find clarity and delight in our everyday expressions.” —Clare M. Sharp
