Meaning: not suprising
He forgot his keys again? That figures—he’s always so absentminded.
The train is delayed. That figures—it’s always late on Mondays.
She didn’t reply to my message. That figures—she never checks her phone.
Usage Note: Often implies frustration, or resignation. Refers to something expected or predictable.
Meaning: ironic; unexpected or strange outcome; expresses bewilderment
I've bought hundreds of lottery tickets; Joe just won the lottery after buying his first lottery ticket ever. Go figure!
She aced the test without studying. I studied two weeks and still failed. Go figure.
They broke up right after planning their wedding. Go figure.
Figures (Just my luck)
Meaning: my/our bad luck, the universe is against me/us.
Scenario: You finally decide to treat yourself to an expensive steak, and the restaurant literally just ran out of beef five minutes before you arrived.
The Thought: "Of course. The one night I come here, this happens. Figures."
Scenario: You carry an umbrella for 10 days and it's sunny. The one day you leave it at home, there's a heavy rain.
The Response: "Figures."
That figures is used when something is expected or typical, often with a resigned or negative tone.
Example: "He’s late again. That figures—he’s always running behind."
Go figure is used when something is unexpected or counterintuitive, often expressing surprise.
Example: "She passed without studying. Go figure!"
That figures is almost always a reaction to someone else’s news.
Go figure is often a self-contained comment at the end of a story you are telling.