I've used this phrasing in large consulting projects and it tends to help in the communication. It's all a made up number to just let someone know how the team

I've used this phrasing in large consulting projects and it tends to help in the communication. It's all a made up number to just let someone know how the team is feeling about a date and if things are in trouble early enough. Business owners tend to understand it well compared to "the deadline looks tight".