massage the figures

/ˈmæsɑːʒ ðə ˈfɪɡərz/

manipulate financial data

The accountant was accused of massaging the figures to make the company look more profitable.

The accountant altered financial data to present the company as more profitable than it actually was.

◆ What It Really Means

To manipulate financial data to present a misleading or favorable impression.

¶ Literal Meaning

To physically manipulate or adjust numerical figures.

Literal Breakdown

massageto rub or manipulate physically+the figuresnumerical data or numbers

◇ Mental Image

The mental image of physically altering numbers to change their appearance or meaning.

◈ When to Use

A financial analyst might be accused of massaging the figures to meet quarterly targets.

◉ Cultural Note

This phrase reflects the importance of accurate financial reporting and the ethical implications of manipulating data.

Finance

informal

To manipulate financial data or statistics to present a more favorable or misleading picture.

The auditor discovered that the CFO had massaged the figures to hide losses.

The auditor found that the CFO altered financial records to conceal financial losses.

Massaging the figures is unethical and can lead to legal consequences.

Manipulating financial data is dishonest and may result in legal penalties.

This phrase is often used in a negative context to describe deceptive financial practices.

Synonyms

This phrase is commonly used in business and financial contexts to describe unethical practices of altering data for personal or corporate gain.

English Dictionary