make up the numbers

1. To reach the necessary number of people to do or have something. With so many people declining to attend, I doubt we'll be able to make up the numbers to have this event without losing money.

2. To participate or be included merely as a means of reaching the necessary number of people for some task or activity. I was excited that they wanted me on their team, but I realized that I was just making up the numbers.

See also: make, number, up

See also:

the more the merrier, the fewer the better fare
a couple of (people or things)
be widely held
chief
(there are) too many chiefs and not enough Indians
come from far and wide
along the beaten track
awagging
as against (something)
as against something

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