What does “Break the Bank” mean?
"Break the Bank" means to spend all of one's money or resources.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I had to break the bank to buy that new car.
Example
They really broke the bank on their extravagant wedding.
Example
After their shopping spree, they completely broke the bank
Is “Break the Bank” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Break the Bank” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Break the Bank” effectively in context?
You can use "Break the Bank" to describe a situation where someone spends a significant amount of money, often to the point of exhausting their financial resources. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this idiom effectively:
- 1Shopping
She saw a designer handbag on sale and couldn't resist. She ended up breaking the bank to buy it.
- 2Weddings
They wanted their wedding to be extravagant and spared no expense. They really broke the bank on their special day.
- 3Personal Finances
After their impulsive shopping spree, they realized they had broken the bank and had to cut back on expenses for the rest of the month.
Similar phrases to “Break the Bank”:
Empty one's pockets
To spend all of one's money or resources
Example
After their extravagant night out, they emptied their pockets and had nothing left.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Break the Bank” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Break the Bank" is uncertain. It is believed to have originated from gambling, specifically in the game of roulette. In this game, if a player wins all the money on the table, it is said that they 'broke the bank.' Over time, the phrase has evolved to mean spending all of one's money or resources.
Is “Break the Bank” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Break the Bank" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where someone spends a large amount of money or exhausts their financial resources.
What tone does “Break the Bank” have?
"Break the Bank" conveys a tone of extravagance and excessive spending. It is often used to emphasize the significant amount of money being spent.
Can “Break the Bank” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Break the Bank" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes spending all of one's money or resources. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as business discussions or financial planning.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'They had to break the bank to afford their dream vacation.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I really "broke the bank"!' to express the idea of spending a lot of money.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- splurge
- deplete one's funds
- exhaust one's resources
- spend lavishly
Antonyms
- save money
- be frugal
- budget wisely
- live within one's means
