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general::
Phrase(s): balance the accounts 1. Lit. [and] balance the books
to determine through bookkeeping that accounts are in balance, that all money is accounted for. • Jane was up all night balancing the accounts. • The cashier was not allowed to leave the bank until the manager balanced the books. 2. Fig. to get even [with someone]. • Tom hit Bob. Bob balanced the accounts by breaking Tom’s toy car. • Once we have balanced the accounts, we can shake hands and be friends again.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs