Re: [I want to be in that number] <-- i've not heard this idiom elsewhere

On 5/11/2024 1:05 a.m., Ed Cryer wrote:

HenHanna wrote:

[Yes, I want to be in that number] <-- i've never heard this idiom
anywhere else
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           The phrase "I want to be in that number" is an idiomatic
expression that conveys a desire to be included in a particular group or
experience, often associated with something positive or significant.
...........
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           This kind of phrasing can be found in various songs and
traditions, especially in spirituals and gospel music
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I should think that the most likely source of that "number" in "Oh When The Saints Go Marching In" is the last book of the New Testament in the Bible; the Apocalypse.
That book is full of numbers; 4 and 7 occur a lot, 666 will be the number of the Antichrist (I once read that that pointed to the Roman emperor Nero, but can't recall the convoluted reasoning; something to do with the letters of Nero's name), and then, of course, the 144,000 who will be saved because of their righteousness (12,000 from each of the tribes of Israel). Those are the saints who'll go marching into heaven.
And, yeah, I'd like to be there, too, but I doubt I'm half good enough.
 Greek language, rather than Latin; Roman intellectuals tended to venerate classical Greek culture; and copy it.
 Ed
 

OED:  number (n) II.8.b.
c1350–
A particular body or company of persons or things. Now only in constructions denoting inclusion, as of (also in, etc.) the number (of).
1785 The Emperor continues to give proofs of his desire of receiving us into the number of his tributaries.  (T.Jefferson, letter)