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Region: General | Usage example: The trip didn’t break the bank, thanks to early booking.

Break the bank

Meaning

Spend all of one's money or exceed budget.

Usage

Used when money is limited.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

From gambling when winning takes all funds.

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

Related Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Break even

Neither lose nor profit; income equals expenses.

Break new ground

Do something innovative.

More Idioms

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.

Barking up the wrong tree

Accusing or pursuing the wrong person/idea; making a false assumption.