that figures: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘that figures’ mean?
The idiom "that figures" is used to express that something is not surprising or unexpected, as it is consistent with what was already known or expected.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "that's your lot" means that something has come to an end or there is nothing more to be expected or offered. It can be used to express that there is no more of something or that there is no further opportunity or possibility.
The idiom "that's the thing" is used to emphasize a crucial point or argument in a discussion or conversation.
The idiom 'that's that' is used to conclude a discussion or resolve a situation, implying that nothing more needs to be said or done about it. It signifies finality and closure.
The idiom "that's saying something" is used to highlight a statement that is particularly noteworthy or impressive, often because it exceeds expectations or goes against common assumptions.
The idiom "take into account" means to consider or include certain factors or information when making a decision or judgment.
The idiom "take into account" is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It means to consider or acknowledge something when making a decision or forming an opinion. This idiom is often used interchangeably with similar idioms like "take into consideration" or "bear in mind".
The idiom "take for granted" means to not appreciate or value something or someone because it is always present or easily available.
The idiom "sure enough" means that something expected or predicted actually happened or turned out to be true. It is used to confirm or validate a previous statement or belief.
The idiom "sure enough" is commonly used in the English language to confirm or affirm a previous statement or prediction. It often indicates that something expected or anticipated has actually happened.
The idiom "strike tallies" means to keep track of the number of times an action or event occurs, typically in a negative or unfavorable way.
The idiom "stand to reason" means that something is logical or reasonable based on the information or facts available.
Figuring it out
The idiom "that figures" is commonly used in informal contexts to express resignation or acceptance when something turns out as expected. When examining the idiom, one can infer that it carries a degree of skepticism, implying a response that aligns with one's expectations or prior knowledge. It is often used to convey annoyance, frustration, or resignation when an outcome is not surprising. The phrase suggests that the speaker believes the result was almost inevitable, reinforcing the idea of predictability. "it figures" and "go figure" are related idioms that further emphasize the expected or predictable nature of a situation. These idioms highlight the speaker's resignation or surprise at the outcome, adding to the overall sense of inevitability conveyed by "that figures."
The idiom "that's saying something" is also related to "that figures." It is used to emphasize the significance or weight of a particular statement, indicating that the statement carries an extraordinary meaning or implication. When used together with "that figures," it reinforces the idea that the expected outcome holds even more significance or importance. The combination of these idioms allows the speaker to convey their beliefs about the outcome with added emphasis and conviction.
"cut a figure" is another related idiom that shares a connection with "that figures." It is used to describe someone's appearance or mannerisms in a way that suggests a certain level of impressiveness or distinction. While "that figures" focuses on the predictability or expected nature of a situation, "cut a figure" adds a visual aspect to it. It implies that the person in question stands out or leaves a lasting impression, further highlighting the significance and inevitability of the outcome.
Lastly, "guess what" is a related idiom that serves as an introduction or lead-in to a surprising or unexpected revelation. While "that figures" typically expresses a resignation or acceptance of an expected outcome, "guess what" introduces an element of surprise or novelty. These two idioms can be used in conjunction to create a contrasting effect, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the outcome while still acknowledging its predictability.
The idiom "that figures" is widely used in informal contexts to express resignation or acceptance when an outcome aligns with one's expectations. It carries a degree of skepticism and suggests that the result was almost inevitable. Idioms such as "it figures," "go figure," "that's saying something," "cut a figure," and "guess what" are related to "that figures" and further emphasize the predictable nature of the situation, the significance of the outcome, the visual aspects of a person's appearance or mannerisms, and the introduction of surprising or unexpected revelations respectively. These idioms enrich the English language with their ability to convey emotions, beliefs, and reactions effectively.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom that figures can be used in a sentence:
- He told me he didn't have the money, but that figures since he never pays for anything.
- The train is delayed again, that figures - it's always late.
- She failed the test, that figures considering she didn't study at all.
More "Slang" idioms
