Meanings
From the mid-17th century. A metaphor based on cooking, whereby ingredients are changed, altered and improved. Thus financial statements can also be so modified to the benefit of the "cook".
How to pronounce "cook the books":
AU
To manipulate accounting information, especially illegally.
To falsify an account of an event.
Example Sentences
1
Investors lost millions due to the CEO's decision to cook the books.
2
With stricter regulations in place, it has become harder for companies to cook the books.
