Definition

Noun: 1. A book or ledger in which financial transactions are recorded: An "account book" is a physical book or a digital record where a business or individual systematically writes down details of money received and money spent. Its primary purpose is to maintain an accurate and organized history of financial activities.

Usage

• The noun "account book" is typically used in business, accounting, and legal contexts. It refers to the official record-keeping system for finances.
• It is often used with verbs like , , , , , and .

Examples

• The small shop owner kept a meticulous handwritten .
• Auditors spent a week reviewing the company's .
• For tax purposes, you must maintain a clear of all your business expenses.
• The court ordered the firm to submit its as evidence.

Advanced Usage

• "The books": In business and legal English, the plural form "the books" is a common metonymy referring to a company's complete set of financial records.
  • Example: "The investigation revealed discrepancies in the company's books."

Variants and Related Words

• Ledger (n): A more formal or technical term for the principal book of account, recording all transactions.
• Journal (n): A book where transactions are first recorded chronologically before being posted to the ledger.
• Bookkeeping (n): The activity or occupation of keeping an account book or financial records.

Synonyms

• Ledger
• Financial record
• Book of account

Idioms and Phrases

• To cook the books: To falsify financial records dishonestly.
  • Example: "The executive was arrested for cooking the books to hide the company's losses."
• To be in the black/red (based on the books): To be profitable (black) or unprofitable (red) as shown by the financial records.
  • Example: "After a tough year, the business is finally back in the black."

Noun

1. a record in which commercial accounts are recorded
   • they got a subpoena to examine our books