Calvin Sobel. From Calvin’s Ass

Calvin Sobel is a fictional character referenced in the TV series *House of Lies* (2012–2016), a comedy-drama about management consultants. In the show, particularly in Season 1, Episode 5 (“Utah”), Sobel is described as a “consulting legend” whose name is invoked as an homage when consultants fabricate data or statistics on the spot.

The phrase “from Calvin’s ass” (often abbreviated as FCA) is used humorously by characters to confidently attribute unsubstantiated numbers during client pitches, implying the data is pulled out of thin air but presented with absolute certainty to sound credible. For example, when questioned about the source of a figure, a consultant might reply “FCA” as a nod to Sobel’s legendary status in the field.

This reference has become a minor meme in discussions about consulting practices, highlighting the industry’s satirical portrayal of bluffing and bullshit. There is no evidence of a real-life consultant named Calvin Sobel matching this description; the name appears to be invented for the show.

not Calvin’s Ass