break the bank

Idioms and Phrases

Ruin one financially, exhaust one's resources, as in I guess the price of a movie won't break the bank . This term originated in gambling, where it means that a player has won more than the banker (the house) can pay. It also may be used ironically, as above. [c. 1600]

Example Sentences

I tried to find useful and/or beautiful items that won’t break the bank.

From Los Angeles Times

Stafford is no doubt all for an escalating quarterback market but can’t be overjoyed when comparing his contract to Detroit’s Jared Goff and Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, the latest to break the bank.

From Los Angeles Times

An urban runabout that won’t break any speed records, but nor will it break the bank.

From BBC

So much of the lodging in the area belongs to the chains, so this place is a welcome dip into a few days of luxury that — thanks to the weaker Canadian dollar — won’t break the bank.

From Seattle Times

And at around $30,000 or less, none will break the bank.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• boost
• develop
• grow
• improve
• raise
• upgrade