What is the origin of the idiom "close the books" and when to use it?

The idiom "close the books" comes from the accounting or financial world, where it refers to the process of finalizing a company's financial records at the end of an accounting period. It is typically used in a business or financial context to describe the completion of a particular accounting period.

What is the origin of the idiom "close the books" and when to use it?

The idiom "close the books" has its origins in accounting and financial practices. In accounting, "closing the books" refers to the process of finalizing financial records, typically at the end of an accounting period or fiscal year. It involves completing financial statements and ensuring that all transactions are accurately recorded. Over time, this expression has been figuratively extended to signify concluding or completing any activity or matter, often with the implication of bringing something to an end.