Idiom
break the bank
Meanings
To be too expensive to afford or to cost more than you can reasonably pay.
To spend so much money that it causes serious financial strain.
Definition
To break the bank means to cost so much money that you cannot afford it.
If something would break the bank, it is too expensive for your budget. People use it to say they want something affordable or reasonably priced. It can also be used when a cost would cause serious financial strain, even if it does not literally bankrupt someone.
Examples
- I’d love to take that trip, but I don’t want to break the bank.
- We found a nice hotel that won’t break the bank.
- Buying a new laptop doesn’t have to break the bank.
- Her wedding plans were beautiful, but they didn’t break the bank.
- Let’s pick a restaurant that won’t break the bank.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idioms
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- down to the wire If something goes down to the wire, it is decided at the very last moment before the deadline or fi…
- lost the plot To become confused or unreasonable and no longer understand what is happening or what matters.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready in the correct order.