サバを読よむ

expression, godan verb (-mu)

fudge the numbers; cook the books; lie about one's age

Idiomatic expression for deliberately misreporting figures, especially one's age, weight, or counts, to gain an advantage. Often used in casual conversation.

• 彼かの女じょはいつも年ねん齢れいをサバを読よんでいる。

  She always lies about her age.

• 参さん加か者しゃの数かずをサバを読よんで、予よ算さんを多おおくもらった。

  He inflated the number of participants and got a bigger budget.

• 体たい重じゅうをサバを読よんで申しん告こくするのはやめなさい。

  Stop fudging your weight when you report it.