Close the books

Meaning

The idiom "close the books" is used to describe the process of finalizing financial accounts, typically at the end of an accounting period. It can also be used to indicate the completion of a project or task, as well as to signify the end of something.

Usage

• The accountant closed the books on the company's financial statements.
• The project manager closed the books on the successful completion of the software development project.
• After closing the books on his career, John retired early.
• When the final exams are over, students typically close the books on their academic year.
• The company closed the books on its quarterly report and released it to investors.

Roots and History

The exact origins of this idiom are unclear, but one theory suggests that it comes from the practice of physically closing a ledger or account book after all transactions have been recorded. Another theory is that it refers to the act of completing a task or project, as if one were closing a chapter in a book.

Synonyms in English

• Finalize accounts
• Conclude a task/project
• Complete a cycle
• Finish a job
• Bring something to an end

Synonyms in other languages

• In Spanish, "cerrar libros" (to close books) has the same meaning as in English.
• In French, "fermer les comptes" (to close accounts) is used to describe the process of finalizing financial records.
• In German, "schließen die Konten" (to close accounts) is a common expression used in accounting contexts.
• In Italian, "chiudere i libri" (to close books) has the same meaning as in English.
• In Mandarin Chinese, "关闭记本" (to close a notebook) can be used to mean "to finish something."

Similar Idioms

• clean sweep

• catnap

• close shave