Over And Short

It’s like an "over and out"...only one where you screw up the exit. Like, you say "over and out" into your walkie-talkie, but then drop the walkie-talkie into the toilet. An over and short.

It's also a phrase used in accounting circles. It refers to any difference between reported numbers and the figures discovered during an audit. An "over" means you've got too much money (compared to what the records show). A "short" means you have too litte.

You're shift manager for Mr. Tom's Brisket and Waffles. One of your duties is checking everyone's cash drawer at the end of the day. You look at the receipt for a particular cash register. It's supposed to have $257.35 in it. You count the cash. It's got $255.35. Short by $2.

On to the next register. Receipts say it should have $302.64. You count the cash: $307.65. Over by $5.01. You start thinking it might be a good idea to arrange for some quick training for your employees about how to make change.