Meaning of number games | Babel Free

Definitions

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

idiomatic

Examples

“This sounds like we are playing number games, and I wonder if 20000 megawatts is a realistic guess.”

“To many of their compatriots, politicians seem an innately frivolous breed. […] When they have to retire backstage, they spend their time playing number games, plotting new combinations, making and unmaking coalitions.”

“"In other words, they were playing number games with an author so they didn't look bad to their investors. They do it a lot."”

“Like several other northeastern states, New York has also legalized various forms of lottery and number games.”

“The functional argument also encompasses the "victimless crime" issue: prostitution, narcotics, and number games are illegal, yet they flourish and are indeed eagerly sought out by everyday citizens.”

CEFR level