balance the books
Idioms-
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]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Chait has said he is prepared to take the steps necessary to balance the books — and the district has committed to slashing thousands of jobs, among other measures.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026
The figures come as Scotland's councils face increasing pressure to balance the books, with some introducing inflation-busting tax hikes for the new financial year.
From BBC ● May 14, 2026
The report said the number of places offered to Scottish students was "limited by universities' need to balance the books" by accepting fee-paying UK and international students.
From BBC ● Jan. 8, 2026
It’s important to balance the books at home, but also ensure that our physical and mental health remain strong so we can cross the finish line every day.
From MarketWatch ● Dec. 23, 2025
Jesus took large stock in tomorrow; he laughed at the prudence that never dares, the mock righteousness of the ledger that presumes to balance the books and pay all accounts up to date.
From The Truth about Jesus : Is He a Myth? by M. M. (Mangasar Mugurditch) Mangasarian
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
