make up the numbers

English

Pronunciation

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Verb

make up the numbers (third-person singular simple present makes up the numbers, present participle making up the numbers, simple past and past participle made up the numbers)

1. (idiomatic) To provide sufficient people to make an event worthwhile.

   We need eleven players, but we are only nine. Can you help us make up the numbers?

Translations

to provide sufficient people

• Finnish: saada luku täyteen
• French: faire de la figuration
• Spanish: hacer bulto (es)