by numbers
idiom
: in a way that follows the rules or instructions but that is not interesting or original
Dancing by numbers isn't good enough. You have to really feel the music.
Examples of by numbers in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Meanwhile, budding artists can paint by numbers with this under-$20 Arteza paint by numbers canvas set.
—
Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 8 Oct. 2024
In fact, as Basso sees it, fashion is no longer bound by numbers.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 10 Sep. 2024
These maps show you which towns had the most winners, (for prizes of more than $599) by numbers of games won, total won and average amount won, using CT Lottery data.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2024
According to British lingerie brand Katherine Hamilton, the band size refers to the size of your rib cage and is represented by numbers (32, 34, 36, etc.).
—Bebe Hodges, USA TODAY, 28 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for by numbers 
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Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 8 Oct. 2024
In fact, as Basso sees it, fashion is no longer bound by numbers.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 10 Sep. 2024
These maps show you which towns had the most winners, (for prizes of more than $599) by numbers of games won, total won and average amount won, using CT Lottery data.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2024
According to British lingerie brand Katherine Hamilton, the band size refers to the size of your rib cage and is represented by numbers (32, 34, 36, etc.).
—Bebe Hodges, USA TODAY, 28 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for by numbers
Dictionary Entries Near by numbers
Cite this Entry
“By numbers.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20numbers. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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