How to Pronounce "by the numbers"
expression
BY-thuh-NUM-berz
BY-thuh-NUM-buhz
Definition
Doing something exactly according to rules, instructions, or a standard method, often in a way that is predictable or lacks creativity.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈbaɪ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈnəmbɝz
British English
bˈaɪ/ /ðə, ði/ /nˈʌmbəz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
BY-thuh-NUM-berz
UK
BY-thuh-NUM-buhz
Listen in Context
The chef followed the recipe by the numbers.
They did the project by the numbers, with no changes.
My dance was by the numbers because I was nervous.
Sometimes doing things by the numbers is safe, but it won’t impress anyone.