balance the books

1. 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]

2. 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

Shropshire Council is expected to declare a "financial emergency" next week at a cabinet meeting as it struggles to balance the books.

From BBC

The chancellor will have to balance the books, produce a set of policies that will pass her backbenchers and also promote reforming policies that help jump start sluggish growth.

From BBC

The latest plan to balance the books involves reducing the public sector workforce by 0.5% per year for the next five years.

From BBC

Labour group leader Sarah Feeney said: "Given that we are at a time when there are massive cuts to services to balance the books, this seems like an unnecessary expense."

From BBC

So that is the long-term challenge laid down by the OBR, balance the books and boost the economy.

From BBC