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to break the bank
01
to financially ruin one due to having a very high cost
Idiom
What is the origin of the idiom "break the bank" and when to use it?
The idiom "break the bank" originates from the world of gambling, particularly from casino games like roulette or blackjack. In these games, the "bank" refers to the total amount of money or chips that the casino has available to pay out winnings to players. It is used to describe a situation where someone spends an exorbitant amount of money or exceeds their budget on a purchase, venture, or event.
Example
Happy hour is the perfect time to try new drinks without breaking the bank.
She bought a mid-range laptop that met her needs without breaking the bank.
Nearby Words