make (one's) number

1. obsolete To report one's arrival, especially to begin or resume one's obligation or responsibility. All sailors are expected to make their number as soon as they return from shore leave.

2. To achieve a sales quota one is expected or required to meet. If you want to make your number each month, you have to have focus, discipline, and a friendly demeanor that puts prospective clients at ease.

make your number

report your arrival, pay a courtesy call, or report for duty.

This expression has nautical origins: when ships made their number , they signalled to others the number by which they were registered. The literal sense was first recorded in the mid 19th century, with the figurative extension developing soon afterwards.