PhrasesHub

Cook the books

    Definitions

      • fraud or deceit
        To manipulate financial records or accounts in order to conceal illegal or dishonest activities, such as embezzlement or tax evasion.

      • exaggeration
        To exaggerate or falsify information or data in order to make something appear more successful or profitable than it actually is.

    Examples of Cook the books

    • The CEO was accused of cooking the books to hide the company's financial losses.

      This idiom is used to describe the act of manipulating financial records to make a company's finances appear better than they actually are. It's a metaphorical way of saying that the CEO was changing the financial records, just as a person might alter the ingredients in a recipe to make a dish taste better than it actually is.Bite the bullet

    • She knew it was going to be painful, but she bit the bullet and underwent the surgery.

      This idiom is used to describe facing a difficult or unpleasant situation head-on, rather than avoiding it. It's a metaphorical way of saying that the person is gritting their teeth and enduring the pain, just as a person might bite down on a bullet to withstand the pain of a medical procedure.Kick the bucket

    • The old man kicked the bucket last night.

      This idiom is used to describe dying. It's a metaphorical way of saying that the person has died, just as a bucket might fall over and spill its contents.Pull out all the stops

    • The orchestra pulled out all the stops for their final performance of the season.

      This idiom is used to describe doing everything possible to achieve a goal or succeed in a situation. It's a metaphorical way of saying that the orchestra was using all of their resources and talent to put on a spectacular performance, just as a person might pull out all of the stops on a game show to win a big prize.Spill the beans

    • I accidentally spilled the beans about the surprise party.

      This idiom is used to describe revealing a secret. It's a metaphorical way of saying that the person has accidentally let the cat out of the bag, just as a person might accidentally spill the contents of a container and reveal what's inside.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "cook the books" is typically used in a negative context, to describe fraudulent or deceptive actions. It can refer to manipulating financial records, such as tax documents or accounting books, in order to hide illegal or dishonest activities. This could include embezzlement, money laundering, or other forms of financial fraud. In this sense, the idiom suggests a deliberate and calculated effort to deceive others for personal gain.

    However, "cook the books" can also be used to describe a more general form of exaggeration or falsification. This can include inflating sales numbers, altering data, or presenting false information in order to make something seem more successful or profitable than it actually is. In this context, the idiom implies a sense of deception or dishonesty, as the actions are intended to mislead or misrepresent the truth.

    Origin of "Cook the books"

    The origin of the idiom "cook the books" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the world of finance and accounting. The term "cook" has been used in other idiomatic expressions to refer to altering or manipulating something, such as "cook up a scheme." In this case, "books" refers to financial records or ledgers.

    The idiom likely gained popularity in the early 20th century, during a time of financial scandals and fraud in the United States. It became a common phrase to describe the fraudulent actions of individuals or companies who were trying to hide their illegal activities. The use of "cook" in the idiom also suggests a sense of secrecy and cover-up, as if the records are being "cooked" to hide the true information.

    Overall, the idiom "cook the books" carries a negative connotation and is associated with dishonesty and deception. It is often used as a warning or caution against engaging in fraudulent or manipulative actions, particularly in the world of finance.