ENGLISH
REFERENCE

make up the numbers

idiom
Meaning

To provide sufficient people to make an event worthwhile.


Examples
SIMPLE

We need one more player to make up the numbers.

CONTEXTUAL

I do not really play tennis well, but I joined the club to make up the numbers for the tournament.

COMPLEX

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.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    cannot make it

    Cannot reach satisfactory or expected standards or do something competently; describes someone in a hopeless situation.

  2. 02

    crunch numbers

    To figure; to do the math.

  3. 03

    do numbers

    To be popular, as measured by engagement or sales metrics.

  4. 04

    doctors make the worst patients

    It is difficult to advise people on subjects that they are experts on.

  5. 05

    enough to make a cat laugh

    Very outlandish or outrageous.

  6. 06

    enough to make the angels weep

    Something so distressing that it causes one to lose hope and faith.

  7. 07

    file off the serial numbers

    To alter identifiable details in a creative work in order to conceal its origin.

  8. 08

    fine feathers make fine birds

    Something that appears beautiful or good is by definition beautiful or good.

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