What does 'Back-of-the-envelope calculation' mean?
Meaning:
A back of the envelope calculation is a figure that was arrived at quickly or by using estimation--as if someone had grabbed the first scrap of paper they found and made a quick guess.
- Category: General
- Contributor: Amanda
Idioms similar to 'Back-of-the-envelope calculation'
- Push the envelope
- Back to back
- Back burner
- Back number
- Take a back seat
- Get back on the horse that bucked you
- Cast your mind back
- Back to the drawing board
All idioms have been editorially reviewed, and submitted idioms may have been edited for correctness and completeness.
Idiom eBooks from UsingEnglish.com
Buy our lists of British English, American English and Animal idioms in PDF format. They're perfect to use offline for reference or for use in class!
If you have a question about idioms, ask us about it in our Idioms Discussion Forum.
If you know of an idiom that you would like to be listed here, please use our online form to suggest an idiom.
See also:
- View examples in Google: Back-of-the-envelope calculation
- Discussion Forum: English Idioms and Sayings
- Idiom Definition
- Idiom Quizzes