number

a back number: seeback.

by numbers following simple instructions identified by numbers; mechanically.

☞ This phrase alludes to painting by numbers, a painting kit with a canvas on which numbers have been marked to indicate which colour of paint should be applied at which place. US English uses the variant by the numbers.

2013Daily Telegraph Jonsson, 46, was also scathing about her former lover, saying he 'made love by numbers' and was devoid of passion.

do a number on treat someone badly, typically by deceiving, humiliating, or criticizing them in a calculated and thorough way. North American informal

have someone's number understand a person's real motives or character and thereby gain some advantage. informal

make your number report your arrival, pay a courtesy call, or report for duty.

☞ This expression has nautical origins: when ships made their number, they signalled to others the number by which they were registered. The literal sense was first recorded in the mid 19th century, with the figurative extension developing soon afterwards.

public enemy number one: seepublic.

someone's or something's days are numbered: seeday.

someone's number is up the time has come when someone is doomed to die or suffer some other disaster or setback. informal

☞ This phrase may allude to a lottery number or to the various biblical passages referring to the 'number of your days', i.e. the length of your life, for example in Job 38:21: 'Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great?'

take care of (or look after) number one be selfishly absorbed in protecting your own person and interests. informal

there's safety in numbers: seesafety.

without number too many to count.

2013Bookforum Times without number in this book we are treated to an evocation of beautiful houses, elegant clothing, glamorous gatherings.