Definition:
To cook the books: To falsify financial records or manipulate accounts stealthily.
Synonyms:
- Manipulate the figures
- Fudge the numbers
- Put a spin on the accounts
- Massaging the numbers
Antonyms:
- Be honest
- Keep transparent accounts
- Maintain integrity
- Provide accurate records
Origin:
The verb “to cook” has meant to manipulate ever since the 1600s and continues to be used, particularly in reference to altering figures. The phrase “cook the books” became popular in the second half of the 1900s due to its catchy rhyme and widespread usage.
Humor-filled Quotes:
- “If they’re cooking the books, I sure hope it’s a dessert recipe.” 🍰
- “Ever notice how the more they cook the books, the harder it is to digest the annual report?”
Proverbs and Common Expressions:
- “Many licks loosen the lock”—Over time, consistency can uncover deceptions.
- “The truth will out”—Eventually, the truth will become known.
Cultural References:
- Literature: For a close look at accounting misdoings in literature, check out Charles Dickens’ “Little Dorrit”.
- Movies: The 1986 film Legal Eagles had the memorable line: “The three partners were cookin’ the books.”
- Newspapers: The New York Times editorial on March 21, 2005: “The agency was thus ordered to cook the books, deliberately underestimating the reductions that would be possible under alternative approaches…”
Thought-Provoking Farewell:
Much like any good cook knows, the secret ingredient is honesty. Stir in a pinch of integrity and your financial confection will always rise to the occasion. 🍰
### What does the phrase "cook the books" mean?
- [x] Falsifying financial records
- [ ] Preparing recipes for a cookbook
- [ ] Cooking food literally on a pile of books
- [ ] Reading a book while cooking
> **Explanation:** "Cooking the books" means falsifying financial records to provide a misleading view of a company’s or entity’s financial status.
### Which movie famously used the expression "cook the books"?
- [ ] The Accountant
- [ ] The Matrix
- [ ] Jurassic Park
- [x] Legal Eagles
> **Explanation:** The phrase "cook the books" was used in the 1986 film *Legal Eagles* to describe financial manipulation.
### True or False: "To cook the books" origins can be traced back to the 1600s.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** The verb “to cook” has meant to manipulate ever since the 1600s, and "to cook the books" became a popular phrase in the late 1900s.
### What’s a synonym for "cook the books"?
- [x] Fudge the numbers
- [ ] Tell the truth
- [ ] Read a novel
- [ ] Cook dinner
> **Explanation:** "Fudge the numbers" is a synonym for "cook the books," both implying the manipulation of financial data.
### How can one ensure they do not 'cook the books'?
- [x] Maintain honest and transparent records
- [ ] Use complicated algorithms
- [ ] Hide discrepancies creatively
- [ ] Employ multiple bank accounts
> **Explanation:** Maintaining honest and transparent records ensures financial integrity and legality.
