Break the Bank Meaning, Examples, Synonyms

The idiom “break the bank” typically means to spend a large amount of money, often more than one can afford or more than is reasonable. It implies excessive spending or financial strain. 

It can also refer to a situation where a particular cost or expense is exceptionally high or exceeds expectations. 

This phrase is often used figuratively to convey the idea of extravagant or reckless spending, suggesting that one is depleting their financial resources to an extreme extent.

Usage with Examples

This idiom is commonly used in various contexts to convey the idea of extravagant spending or excessive financial strain. Here are a few examples:

• “I can’t believe how much I spent on that vacation. It really broke the bank.”
  • In this sentence, the speaker is expressing surprise or regret over the amount of money they spent on their vacation. The expenditure was significant and likely beyond their initial budget.
• “We’re planning a wedding, but we don’t want to break the bank. We’re trying to keep the costs reasonable.”
  • Here, the speaker is emphasizing their intention to keep the wedding expenses within a reasonable limit. They want to avoid spending excessively or going into financial hardship.
• “The price of tickets for the concert is outrageous! It would break the bank to attend.”
  • In this example, the speaker is stating that the ticket prices for the concert are extremely high. The cost is so exorbitant that it would require a significant financial commitment to attend.

Also Read: Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meanings

Synonyms and Similar Words to the Break the Bank 

Mentioned below are some synonyms and related words to the break the bank meaning:

• Cost a fortune
• Empty one’s wallet
• Burn a hole in one’s pocket
• Deplete one’s savings
• Drain one’s bank account
• Overspend
• Go over budget
• Exorbitant expenditure
• Spend a small fortune
• Go beyond one’s means

Break the Bank Idiom Quiz

The price of the designer handbag was so high that it would ___________ to buy it.

a) Make me rich

b) Make me famous

c) Break the bank

Correct answer: c) Break the bank

Also Read: Idioms for IELTS

This was all about the idiom break the bank meaning and examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used. For more such blogs, follow Leverage Edu.