do a number on, get (or have) (someone's) number

Cold Does A Number On More Area Pipes
A boil-water order that followed a series of water main breaks was lifted yesterday for about 90,000 homes and businesses in Prince George' s County, even as freezing temperatures caused dozens of other pipes across the region to rupture or leak.
(By Lisa Rein and Tom Jackman, The Washington Post)

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do a number on sb US SLANG
to hurt, defeat or embarrass someone:
She really did a number on her old boyfriend, making him beg her to come back and then turning him down.

idioms:

by the numbers

1. In unison as numbers are called out by a leader: performing calisthenics by the numbers.
2. In a strict, step-by-step or mechanical way.

do a number on Slang.

1. To defeat, abuse, or humiliate in a calculated and thorough way.

get (or have) (someone's) number

1. To determine or know someone's real character or motives.

without (or beyond) number

1. Too many to be counted; countless: mosquitoes without number.

[Middle English nombre, from Old French, from Latin numerus.]

numberer num'ber·er n.

USAGE NOTE As a collective noun number may take either a singular or a plural verb. It takes a singular verb when it is preceded by the definite article the: The number of skilled workers is small. It takes a plural verb when preceded by the indefinite article a: A number of the workers are unskilled.