帳尻

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 帳尻, read ちょうじり, combines ledger 帳 with end 尻 to denote the final balance of an account.
• Basic usage: 帳尻が合う means the accounts balance, while 帳尻を合わせる means making the final figures balance.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Distinguishing meanings
  • The latter can carry a negative suggestion of forcing the figures to fit, depending on context.