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What does “break the bank” mean?
Meaning, example sentences and a quick practice question.
B2
To cost more money than you can really afford
“A weekend away won't break the bank.”
From the B2 lesson Tightening the Belt (money idioms).
C1
To cost far more than you can afford (often ‘won't break the bank’)
“A coffee once a week won't break the bank.”
From the C1 lesson Tightening the Belt (money idioms).
Quick check
What does “break the bank” mean?
Teaching this phrase?“break the bank” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks B2 Pack 3 (Money, Food, Work and Travel) and Everyday English Chunks C1 Pack 3 (Money, Food, Work and Travel).
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
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Related phrases
- tighten your beltto spend less money than before, usually because you have to
- be strapped for cashto have very little money available
- cost a fortuneto be very expensive
- a rainy day fundmoney saved for emergencies or unexpected expenses
- pay through the nose for (something)to pay much more for something than it's really worth
- money doesn't grow on treessaid to remind someone that money is limited and shouldn't be wasted
- penny-pinchingbeing extremely careful, sometimes excessively so, with money
- every penny countssaid when even small amounts of money matter
- be in the redto owe money; to have spent more than you have
- cost an arm and a legto be very expensive
- money talkshaving money gives you power or influence
- born with a silver spoon in your mouthborn into wealth and privilege