- To use up all of one's money; to be too expensive for one's budget.
- Often used in the negative (it won't break the bank) to mean something is affordable.
Explanation
Origin
- Originates from gambling, specifically from the game of Faro or roulette in casinos (18th/19th century).
- The 'bank' is the house's or dealer's money supply.
- To 'break the bank' meant to win more money than the house had available, forcing it to close temporarily.
- By metaphorical extension, it came to mean depleting one's *own* financial resources.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Max out your credit cards (Specific action related to high cost)
- Blow all your dough
- Clean you out (Make someone spend all their money)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Be fucking expensive
- Ruin you financially (Hyperbole)
Milder/Formal:
- Be financially prohibitive
- Strain one's finances
- Be beyond one's means
- Be unaffordable
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal. Common in everyday conversation about money and prices.
- Generally acceptable in most contexts, including many workplaces, especially when used in the negative (it won't break the bank).
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The connection to gambling is historical; the modern meaning relates to personal finances.
- The negative form (won't break the bank) is very common and means affordable, which might confuse learners expecting a negative meaning.
Examples
- Buying that designer handbag would completely break the bank.
- Let's find a restaurant that doesn't break the bank.
- Good news, the tickets are only $20! It won't break the bank.
Dialogue
Customer: I love this sofa, but I'm worried about the price.
Salesperson: This model is actually on sale right now. It's surprisingly affordable – it definitely won't break the bank compared to some of our other ranges.
Customer: Oh really? That's good to know. Can you tell me the exact price?
Social Media Examples
- Twitter: Looking for good, cheap eats in London that won't break the bank. Any recommendations? #London #foodie #budgettravel
- Facebook post: Christmas shopping is definitely going to break the bank this year! 😅 #holidays #spending
- Blog post title: 10 Amazing Vacation Destinations That Won't Break the Bank
Response Patterns
After It won't break the bank:
- Relief/Agreement: Oh, good!, That's reasonable., Perfect.
- Inquiry: How much is it then?
After It would break the bank:
- Agreement/Sympathy: Yeah, that's too much., I understand., Definitely not worth it then.
- Suggesting alternatives: Maybe we could find something cheaper?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After It won't break the bank:
- People might proceed with the purchase or activity.
- Might confirm the price.
After It would break the bank:
- People usually decide against the purchase or activity.
- Might look for cheaper options.
Conversation Starter
- No. Usually a comment on the affordability of something specific.
Intonation
- When used negatively (won't break the bank), often said with a reassuring or pleased tone. Stress on WON'T and BANK.
- When used positively (it will break the bank), often said with a worried or prohibitive tone. Stress on BREAK and BANK.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across all generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.