# number games

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/number-games
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A numbers game: the use of inappropriate statistics (numbers) to reflect a desired result (usually misleading).

## Examples

- The company uses number games to hide their low profits.
- The manager tried to justify the budget cuts with clever number games, but the staff knew the reality was much worse.
- By manipulating the quarterly data through various number games, the executive board successfully misled the shareholders about the true state of the failing enterprise.

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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.