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Bean Counter

What Does "Bean Counter" Mean?

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"Bean counter" is an English idiom. It is a derogatory term for an accountant or someone who is perceived as focused solely on numbers and data.

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "bean counter" used in a sentence:
  • We need creatives on this project, not just bean counters.
  • He's just a bean counter, he doesn't see the bigger picture.
  • The bean counters at the company decided to cut our project's funding.
meaning for bean counter

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Bean Counter" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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