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