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by the numbers. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
by the numbers, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
by the numbers in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
by the numbers you have here. The definition of the word
by the numbers will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
by the numbers, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
The origin of this phrase goes back to the American Revolutionary War where a book containing numbered positions for rifle and bayonet practice was used to train soldiers. In the book, each diagram was numbered.
Pronunciation
Prepositional phrase
by the numbers
- (idiomatic) exactly, precisely, or in a formulaic way.
- Synonyms: by the book, by numbers
See also