balance the books
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]
Settle an account by paying what is due, as in We can't balance the books till your last check clears. [Early 1700s]
Words nearby balance the books
balance pipe,
balance shaft,
balance sheet,
balance spring,
balance staff,
balance the books,
balance weight,
balance wheel,
balanced,
balanced anesthesia,
balanced diet