on/off the/somebody's books
off the books
Off the official payroll; paid in cash, without any official employment paperwork. I worked off the books in my uncle's restaurant for a few months during the summer. It's no secret that many migrant workers are kept off the books at major agricultural and construction operations around the country.
on the books
Set down in writing or an audio or video recording. Today is officially the hottest day on the books. His statement is now on the books, so he can't dispute that he said it.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
on the books
contained in a list of members, employees, or clients.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
on/off the/somebody’s ˈbooks
(business) included/not included in the official financial records of a company: The company falsified its accounts and kept billions of dollars in debt off the books.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017