close out

phr.v. to bring something to an end or finish a task completely.

phr.v. to terminate or conclude a process, project, or period of time.

“The team worked late on Friday to close out the project before the weekend.”

“The department head requested a final report to close out the fiscal year, ensuring all expenditures were accounted for before the audit.”

phr.v. to pay what you owe and shut down a bank account or a business deal.

phr.v. to settle a debt or liquidate a position, resulting in the formal closure of an account.

“I need to go to the bank to close out my savings account.”

“After the merger was finalised, the legal team moved to close out all redundant accounts and transfer the remaining assets.”

phr.v. to block someone from joining or being part of something.

phr.v. to exclude a person or group by blocking all opportunities for entry or participation.

“The new rules effectively closed out smaller companies from the competition.”

“By raising the entry requirements so significantly, the board managed to close out independent contractors from the bidding process entirely.”

Formal

phr.v. to successfully finish a business deal or sale.

phr.v. to successfully conclude a negotiation or sales transaction.

“The salesman was happy to close out the deal after weeks of talking.”

“The executive flew to Singapore specifically to close out the contract, as the client preferred a face-to-face meeting for the final signatures.”

Informal