idioms using “number”

Do a number on someone

To cheat or harm someone

“Of course Suzuki-san is upset. Her friend really did a number on her.”

Have someone’s number

To understand what kind of a person someone is

“Tanaka-san can handle him. She’s had his number for quite a while.”

Look out for number one

To take care of one’s own needs, sometimes selfishly

“Don’t worry about Mori-san; he will look out for number one.”

Someone’s number is up

Something unpleasant is going to happen to someone

“They are laying off workers today and Kurume-san’s number is up.”

Crunch the numbers

To do the math

“We have to crunch the numbers before we can take the growth plan to management.”