make book
To gamble, either by placing or taking bets.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“They make book on the outcome of every local horse race.”
“The shady character in the corner of the pub likes to make book on football matches.”
“Despite the strict local regulations, the underground gambling ring continued to make book on the high-stakes boxing matches held in the city.”
disputed origin
The "be confident" sense is connected to the "gamble" sense: a sure bet is one that you can be nearly certain of.
- 01
absence makes the heart grow fonder
One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.
- 02
bad books
Disfavor.
- 03
balance the books
To add up all the debits and credits.
- 04
blot one's copy book
To damage one's own reputation through bad behavior.
- 05
book burning
Any mass destruction, removal, or recalling of books, motion pictures, broadcasts, or electronic works as a form of censorship, especially motivated by religious or political objections to the material.
- 06
book dumping
The practice of donating old used books that burden rather than assist communities.
- 07
book in
To check in (to a hotel).
- 08
call someone every name in the book
To call someone many abusive names.
Last updated August 10, 2026