Number Idioms

The following text will explore the world of idioms using numbers. We will delve into the meanings behind some of the most commonly used idioms, and we will provide examples of how to use them in everyday conversations. Whether you’re a native English speaker or someone learning the language, understanding these idioms will help you communicate more effectively and express yourself more creatively.

Numbers Idioms List

Numbers Idioms
Numbers Idioms – Created by 7ESL
  • (Do Something) By the Numbers; By the Book
  • A million and one
  • All in one piece
  • And Counting
  • At sixes and sevens
  • At the eleventh hour
  • Back to square one
  • Be in seventh heaven
  • Be in two minds (about something)
  • Cast the first stone
  • Dressed up to the nines
  • Eighty-Six (v.) (1)
  • Eighty-Six (v.) (2)
  • Feel like a million dollars
  • Get the third degree
  • Have one over the eight
  • Have one too many
  • It takes two to tango
  • Kill two birds with one stone.
  • Never in a million years
  • Nine times out of ten
  • Nine-to-five job
  • On all fours
  • On cloud nine
  • One for the road
  • Put in one’s two cents
  • Six feet under
  • Square the Circle
  • Stand on one’s own two feet
  • Take five
  • Ten to one
  • Two peas in a pod
  • Zero In On

Idioms Using Numbers with Meaning and Examples

List of phrases and idioms using numbers with meaning and examples.

Idioms and Sayings about Numbers (A)

A million and one

  • Meaning: Very many
  • Example: We have a million and one things to do before the party tonight.

All in one piece

  • Meaning: Safely
  • Example: I was relieved to hear that my friend arrived home all in one piece after her long trip.

And Counting

  • Meaning: And the number just mentioned is increasing (or decreasing)
  • Example: We have sold 100 tickets, and counting.

At sixes and sevens

  • Meaning: Confused
  • Example: After the accident, I was at sixes and sevens and didn’t know what to do.

At the eleventh hour

  • Meaning: At a late stage or the last possible moment
  • Example: He finished his project at the eleventh hour, just before the deadline.

Idioms and Sayings about Numbers (B, C)

Back to square one

  • Meaning: Back to the start
  • Example: After our plan failed, we had to go back to square one and come up with a new strategy.

Be in seventh heaven

  • Meaning: Be extremely happy
  • Example: When I got the job offer, I was in seventh heaven.

Be in two minds (about something)

  • Meaning: Be undecided
  • Example: I’m in two minds about whether to go to the party or stay home and relax.

(Do Something) By the Numbers; By the Book

  • Meaning: Follow the rules or procedures exactly
  • Example: He did the experiment by the numbers, following the instructions step by step.

Cast the first stone

  • Meaning: Be the first to criticize or accuse someone
  • Example: Before you cast the first stone, make sure you’re not guilty of the same thing.

Idioms and Sayings about Numbers (D, E, F)

Dressed up to the nines

  • Meaning: Dressed very elegantly or formally
  • Example: She was dressed up to the nines for her wedding day.

Eighty-Six (v.) (1)

  • Meaning: To eject or remove someone or something
  • Example: The bouncer eighty-sixed the rowdy customer from the club.

Eighty-Six (v.) (2)

  • Meaning: To cancel or reject something
  • Example: The boss eighty-sixed the proposal because it was too expensive.

Feel like a million dollars

  • Meaning: Feel great or very healthy
  • Example: After my workout, I felt like a million dollars.

Idioms and Sayings about Numbers (G, H, I)

Get the third degree

  • Meaning: Be questioned or interrogated thoroughly
  • Example: The police gave him the third degree until he finally confessed.

Have one over the eight

  • Meaning: Be slightly drunk
  • Example: He had one over the eight and wasn’t able to drive home.

Have one too many

  • Meaning: Be drunk
  • Example: She had one too many at the party and ended up embarrassing herself.

It takes two to tango

  • Meaning: Both people are responsible for a situation
  • Example: The argument was not just his fault; it takes two to tango.

Idioms and Sayings about Numbers (K, N)

Kill two birds with one stone

  • Meaning: To accomplish two things at once.
  • Example: By combining our grocery shopping with our exercise routine, we were able to kill two birds with one stone.

Never in a million years

  • Meaning: Something that will never happen.
  • Example: I would never have thought that I would become a professional athlete, not in a million years.

Nine times out of ten

  • Meaning: Almost always.
  • Example: Nine times out of ten, I prefer to stay in and read a book rather than go out to a party.

Nine-to-five job

  • Meaning: A typical job with regular working hours.
  • Example: After years of working a nine-to-five job, I decided to start my own business and work for myself.

Idioms and Sayings about Numbers (O, P)

On all fours

  • Meaning: Crawling on hands and knees.
  • Example: The baby was on all fours, trying to crawl towards the toy.

On cloud nine

  • Meaning: Extremely happy.
  • Example: After receiving the job offer, I was on cloud nine for days.

One for the road

  • Meaning: A final drink before leaving.
  • Example: As we were leaving the party, our host offered us one for the road.

Put in one’s two cents

  • Meaning: To give one’s opinion.
  • Example: I always like to put in my two cents during team meetings.

Idioms and Sayings about Numbers (S, T, Z)

Six feet under

  • Meaning: Dead and buried.
  • Example: After my grandfather passed away, we laid him to rest six feet under.

Square the Circle

  • Meaning: To try to do something impossible.
  • Example: Trying to finish the project in one day is like trying to square the circle.

Stand on one’s own two feet

  • Meaning: To be independent and self-sufficient.
  • Example: After graduating from college, I was determined to stand on my own two feet and support myself.

Ten to one

  • Meaning: Very likely.
  • Example: Ten to one, it will rain tomorrow.

Two peas in a pod

  • Meaning: Two things or people that are very similar.
  • Example: My twin sister and I are like two peas in a pod.

Zero In On

  • Meaning: To focus on something.
  • Example: During the presentation, the speaker zeroed in on the most important points.