numbers game; deceiving with statistics
Refers to manipulating or misrepresenting numbers and statistics to deceive or create a false impression. Often used in critical contexts about data, reports, or arguments.
His explanation is nothing more than a numbers game.
Those statistics are just number manipulation and don't reflect reality.
Compound of 数字 (number) and 遊び (play). The term likely emerged from the idea of 'playing' with numbers rather than using them honestly.