# make up the numbers

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/make-up-the-numbers
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To provide sufficient people to make an event worthwhile.

## Examples

- 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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.