The manager went to jail for cooking the books.
cook the books
idiomTo manipulate accounting information, especially illegally.
Origin
disputed originFrom the mid-17th century. A metaphor based on cooking, whereby ingredients are changed, altered and improved. Thus financial statements can also be so modified to the benefit of the "cook".
The auditors discovered that the company had been cooking the books for years to hide their massive debts.
After the investigation revealed that the executive had been cooking the books to inflate stock prices, the board of directors demanded his immediate resignation.
- 01
bad books
Disfavor.
- 02
balance the books
To add up all the debits and credits.
- 03
close the books
To finalize the financial records for a specific accounting period; to cease trading.
- 04
cook someone's goose
To spoil one's plans or hope of success.
- 05
cook up a storm
To make a big fuss, generate a lot of unnecessary talk or activity; make a scene.
- 06
good books
Favorable regard; personal approval; kindly treatment.