PhrasesHub

Run the numbers

    Definitions

      • Calculate or analyze data or figures
        To carefully review and assess numerical information in order to make informed decisions or determine the best course of action

      • Check or verify information
        To double-check or confirm the accuracy of numerical data or figures, often in a business or financial context

    Examples of Run the numbers

    • The accountant asked the sales team to run the numbers for the past quarter.

      This idiom is used in business or financial contexts to mean calculating or analyzing data or financial information. It implies that the numbers are being scrutinized closely to determine their significance or value. In this example, the sales team is being asked to compile and analyze sales data from the previous quarter.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "run the numbers" is typically used to refer to the act of analyzing or calculating data or figures. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from making informed decisions to verifying information.

    In a professional setting, "run the numbers" is often used to emphasize the importance of carefully examining numerical data before making any decisions or taking any action. This could include analyzing financial statements before investing in a company, or reviewing sales data before creating a marketing strategy.

    In everyday conversation, the phrase can also be used more casually to simply mean checking or verifying information. For example, someone might say "I'll run the numbers and get back to you" when asked for a specific statistic or figure.

    Origin of "Run the numbers"

    The origin of the idiom "run the numbers" is believed to come from the world of gambling. In gambling, "running the numbers" refers to the process of calculating odds or analyzing data in order to make informed bets. This meaning of the phrase dates back to the early 19th century.

    Over time, the phrase began to be used more broadly to refer to any kind of data analysis. It gained popularity in the business world in the mid-20th century, as companies began to heavily rely on numerical data for decision making and planning.

    Today, "run the numbers" is a commonly used idiom in both professional and casual settings, and its origins in the world of gambling are not commonly known or referenced.