make up the numbers
To provide sufficient people to make an event worthwhile.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We need one more player to make up the numbers.”
“I do not really play tennis well, but I joined the club to make up the numbers for the tournament.”
“Although he lacked any genuine interest in the committee's mission, he attended the meeting simply to make up the numbers required for a quorum.”
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absence makes the heart grow fonder
One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.
- 02
cannot make it
Cannot reach satisfactory or expected standards or do something competently; describes someone in a hopeless situation.
- 03
crunch numbers
To figure; to do the math.
- 04
do numbers
To be popular, as measured by engagement or sales metrics.
- 05
doctors make the worst patients
It is difficult to advise people on subjects that they are experts on.
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enough to make a cat laugh
Very outlandish or outrageous.
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enough to make the angels weep
Something so distressing that it causes one to lose hope and faith.
- 08
file off the serial numbers
To alter identifiable details in a creative work in order to conceal its origin.
Last updated August 10, 2026