サバ読よむ

expression, godan verb (-mu)

fudge numbers; manipulate figures; lie about one's age

Idiomatic expression for deliberately miscounting or misreporting numbers for personal benefit, especially age. Often used when someone claims to be younger or older than they really are.

See also: サバを読む

• 彼かの女じょは年ねん齢れいをサバ読よんで、三さん歳さい若わかく言いっている。

  She fudges her age, saying she's three years younger.

• 人にん数ずうをサバ読よんで、実じっ際さいより多おおく報ほう告こくした。

  He manipulated the headcount, reporting more people than there actually were.