English · Work & Business
break the bank
/breɪk ðə bæŋk/
[/breɪk ðə bæŋk/]
be too expensive
Intermediatephrase
Definition
To cost more money than one can afford.
Example
A weekend away won't break the bank if we book the cheap train tickets in advance.
A weekend away won't break the bank if we book the cheap train tickets in advance.
Etymology
From gambling, where a player wins more than the house, or 'bank', can pay out.
How & Where It’s Used
Often used in the negative ('won't break the bank') to mean affordable.