clear the books

1. To do, complete, or resolve something, typically a long-standing request. The Art Department asked me to make all these minor changes last year, but I just never had the time. I'm determined to clear the books today, though. The police say they have cleared the books of all 28 cases connected to the serial killer. With so many of my employees off for the holidays, I can finally clear the books of all the little tasks that have been piled up.

2. To eradicate or pay off one's debts, fines, fees, etc. The tech entrepreneur's generous donation will clear the books for dozens of students attending the technical institute where she originally got her start. They decided to restructure the company's finances in an attempt to clear the books of nearly 10 years of bad debt. It's taken me years to clear the books, but I'm finally free of my student loans!