PhrasesHub

Close the books

    Definitions

      • finalize accounts or financial records
        To complete and balance all financial records, typically at the end of an accounting period or fiscal year, in order to have an accurate and up-to-date understanding of a company's financial standing.

      • put an end to something
        To bring something to a conclusion or termination, often in a decisive or final manner. This can refer to ending a project, a relationship, or any other situation that has been ongoing.

      • shut down or close off
        To physically close or shut down something, such as a business or office, or to block off an area or pathway. This can also be used figuratively to mean shutting down or ending communication or access to something.

    Examples of Close the books

    • The accountant closed the books for the month.

      This idiom is used in the context of accounting and finance to mean that the financial records for a specific period, such as a month, have been finalized and balanced. It is derived from the literal act of closing a physical ledger or journal by signing and dating it.

    • After the game, the coach closed the books on the season.

      This idiom is used in sports to mean that the coach has officially ended the team's performance for the current season and is looking ahead to the next one. It can also be used in other contexts to indicate that a particular event or project has come to a close.

    • The detective closed the books on the case after the suspect was caught.

      This idiom is used in criminal investigations to mean that the detective has officially concluded the investigation and has all the necessary evidence to solve the case. It can also be used in other contexts to indicate that a particular matter has been resolved or finalized.

    • The lawyer closed the books on the settlement and distributed the funds to the clients.

      This idiom is used in legal contexts to mean that the lawyer has officially completed the settlement process and has distributed the agreed-upon funds to the clients. It can also be used in other contexts to indicate that a particular agreement or negotiation has been finalized.

    • The teacher closed the books on the semester and graded the final exams.

      This idiom is used in education to mean that the teacher has officially ended the semester and has graded the final exams. It can also be used in other contexts to indicate that a particular academic term or course has come to a close.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "close the books" has various meanings but they all revolve around finalizing or concluding something. In the financial context, it refers to completing and balancing all records to have an accurate understanding of the financial status. In a broader sense, it can also mean putting an end to something or shutting down or closing off something physically or figuratively.

    Closing the books can also have a negative connotation, as it can imply shutting down or ending something permanently. This can be seen in the phrase "close the books on" which is often used to indicate the final resolution of a matter or issue.

    Origin of "Close the books"

    The origin of the idiom "close the books" can be traced back to the practice of accountants and bookkeepers physically closing and locking the books at the end of an accounting period. This was done to prevent any further changes or additions to the records, ensuring their accuracy and finality.

    Over time, the phrase "close the books" started being used in a more figurative sense, referring to the act of bringing something to a conclusion or shutting it down completely. This usage became popular in the early 20th century and has continued to be used in various contexts since then.

    Overall, the idiom "close the books" has evolved from its literal meaning in the financial world to a more general and versatile phrase used to describe the act of finalizing or concluding something.