Break the bank

Meaning

Spend all of one's money or exceed budget.

Usage

Used when money is limited.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

From gambling when winning takes all funds.

19th-century casinos applied it literally; now general metaphor for costly endeavors.