Numbers game
noun
An event or a situation where success is decided by numbers, not by other things.
Politics is often a numbers game, the party with more votes wins.
Often appears as...
- politics is a numbers game
- life is a numbers game
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
An illegal lottery based on the random selection of numbers, often organized by criminals.
He got arrested for running an underground numbers game.
Often appears as...
- running a numbers game
- involved in a numbers game
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
noun
An event or a situation where success is decided by numbers, not by other things.
Politics is often a numbers game, the party with more votes wins.
Often appears as...
- politics is a numbers game
- life is a numbers game
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
An illegal lottery based on the random selection of numbers, often organized by criminals.
He got arrested for running an underground numbers game.
Often appears as...
- running a numbers game
- involved in a numbers game
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Not Literal
The phrase 'numbers game' often refers metaphorically to importance of quantities in achieving success.
In social media marketing, it's a numbers game - the more followers, the better the reach.
Pro Tip 2/3Idiomatic Usage
The term is used idiomatically and may not refer to actual numbers or a game.
Getting into college has become a numbers game with the increasing applicants.
Pro Tip 3/3Uncertain Outcome
It implies a situation where hard work doesn't guarantee success, but increasing attempts might.
Job hunting is a numbers game; send more applications to improve your chances.
Pro Tip 1/3Not Literal
The phrase 'numbers game' often refers metaphorically to importance of quantities in achieving success.
In social media marketing, it's a numbers game - the more followers, the better the reach.
Pro Tip 2/3Idiomatic Usage
The term is used idiomatically and may not refer to actual numbers or a game.
Getting into college has become a numbers game with the increasing applicants.
Pro Tip 3/3Uncertain Outcome
It implies a situation where hard work doesn't guarantee success, but increasing attempts might.
Job hunting is a numbers game; send more applications to improve your chances.
Pro Tip 1/3Not Literal
The phrase 'numbers game' often refers metaphorically to importance of quantities in achieving success.
In social media marketing, it's a numbers game - the more followers, the better the reach.
Pro Tip 2/3Idiomatic Usage
The term is used idiomatically and may not refer to actual numbers or a game.
Getting into college has become a numbers game with the increasing applicants.
Pro Tip 3/3Uncertain Outcome
It implies a situation where hard work doesn't guarantee success, but increasing attempts might.
Job hunting is a numbers game; send more applications to improve your chances.
Never forget "Numbers game"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension