on the book—
1. (coll.) on credit:
- He let me have a couple of bottles on the book.
2. (Theater) on duty as prompter:
- There is no longer such a job as “prompter.” It is, however, normal practice for there to be a member of the stage-management team “on the book.”
on the books—
1. said of existing rules, laws, etc.:
- After Gorbachev had been in command for three years, the new privately owned cooperatives had new laws on the books.
2. in the accountant’s records of money:
- We’ve got to put forth our best efforts from now till the end of the month, or we’ll be in red on the books.
3. in the official list of members, patients, etc.:
- Had he been on the books as an Indian, he would have been considered a ward of the Government.