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View synonyms for by the numbers

by the numbers



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Idioms and Phrases

In a strict sequence, step-by-step; also, mechanically. For example, The only way to assemble this computer is to do it by the numbers , or Writing a novel is not something one can do by the numbers . This expression has nothing to do with actual numerical figures (like by the dozen ) but uses numbers in the sense of a strict order or sequence.

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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by the dozenby the same token