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Phrase Meanings » balance the books
What does "balance the books" mean?
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Add up the debits and credits of an account and determine the difference; also, bring the two sides into equilibrium. For example, It's Joe's job to balance the books each quarter. [Late 1500s]
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Settle an account by paying what is due, as in We can't balance the books till your last check clears. [Early 1700s]