break the bank
To cost too much money
직역: To physically smash or destroy a money storage container
Use it to say an item is affordable or to warn someone about a high price.
15초 만에
- Used to describe something very expensive or unaffordable.
- Commonly used in the negative to mean something is affordable.
- Originated from gambling but now applies to general shopping.
뜻
This phrase describes something that is very expensive but is usually used in the negative to say that something is affordable. It means you can buy it without spending all your savings.
주요 예문
3 / 6Buying a gift for a friend
I want a nice watch, but I don't want to break the bank.
I want a nice watch, but I don't want to spend too much.
Planning a corporate event
We can host the gala at the Hilton without breaking the bank.
We can host the gala at the Hilton without overspending.
Texting about a restaurant
Let's go to that taco place; it won't break the bank!
Let's go to that taco place; it's quite cheap!
문화적 배경
The phrase originated in 19th-century gambling houses, specifically at Monte Carlo. If a gambler won more money than the table held, the 'bank' was literally broken and covered with a black cloth. It became a popular metaphor for any expense that exceeds one's budget.
The Power of 'Won't'
90% of the time, you will hear this in the negative. Saying something 'won't break the bank' is a very common way to recommend a product.
The Piggy Bank Connection
While it comes from gambling, most modern English speakers visualize a 'piggy bank' being smashed to get the coins inside when they hear this.
15초 만에
- Used to describe something very expensive or unaffordable.
- Commonly used in the negative to mean something is affordable.
- Originated from gambling but now applies to general shopping.
What It Means
Break the bank means to spend more money than you have. It refers to an item being so expensive it empties your account. Most people use it with the word won't. You say, "It won't break the bank." This means the price is fair. It is a friendly way to talk about costs. It suggests you are being smart with your budget.
How To Use It
Use it when discussing prices of products or services. You can use it as a verb phrase. For example, "That new phone will break the bank." It works well in the negative form too. "This dinner won't break the bank." You can use it for small things like coffee. You can use it for big things like cars. It is very flexible in daily English.
When To Use It
Use it when shopping with a friend. Use it when planning a trip with your partner. It is great for business meetings about budgets. It sounds natural in a text message. If you find a good deal, tell people! It shows you are happy about the price. It is perfect for casual and professional settings alike.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for extremely cheap things. Don't use it for a 50-cent candy bar. That sounds sarcastic or strange. Avoid using it in very sad financial situations. If someone is bankrupt, this phrase is too light. It is a colorful idiom, not a legal term. Keep it for shopping and planning discussions.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from old gambling games like Baccarat. If a player won more than the table's reserve, they "broke the bank." The game had to stop because the house ran out of money. Today, we don't think about gambling when we say it. We just think about our bank accounts. It reflects a culture that values being financially responsible.
Common Variations
Most people say won't break the bank. Some say not going to break the bank. You might hear hardly break the bank for very cheap items. Occasionally, people say cost a fortune instead. However, break the bank sounds more modern and common. It focuses on the impact on your specific wallet.
사용 참고사항
The phrase is most effective when used in the negative ('won't break the bank') to reassure someone about a price. It is neutral enough for most social and professional settings.
The Power of 'Won't'
90% of the time, you will hear this in the negative. Saying something 'won't break the bank' is a very common way to recommend a product.
The Piggy Bank Connection
While it comes from gambling, most modern English speakers visualize a 'piggy bank' being smashed to get the coins inside when they hear this.
Don't be too literal
Never use this if you are actually talking about a bank robbery! It only refers to the cost of items or services.
예시
6I want a nice watch, but I don't want to break the bank.
I want a nice watch, but I don't want to spend too much.
Expressing a desire to stay within a budget.
We can host the gala at the Hilton without breaking the bank.
We can host the gala at the Hilton without overspending.
Discussing business expenses professionally.
Let's go to that taco place; it won't break the bank!
Let's go to that taco place; it's quite cheap!
Suggesting a budget-friendly meal to a friend.
Buying organic kale these days will practically break the bank.
Buying organic kale is becoming very expensive.
Using hyperbole to complain about rising food prices.
I'd love to go to Paris, but I'm afraid it would break the bank.
I'd love to go to Paris, but it's too expensive for me.
Expressing a financial worry about a big dream.
This laptop offers great performance and won't break the bank.
This laptop is powerful and affordable.
Recommending a product based on value.
셀프 테스트
Choose the best word to complete the phrase.
I love this car, but the monthly payments would ___ the bank.
The standard idiom is 'break the bank'. Other verbs like 'smash' or 'crack' are not used in this expression.
Complete the sentence to mean the item is affordable.
Don't worry about the price; it ___ break the bank.
Using 'won't' (will not) indicates that the item is affordable and fits the budget.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of 'Break the Bank'
Too structured for street slang.
N/A
Perfect for friends and family.
This pizza won't break the bank.
Safe for office and business talk.
The marketing plan shouldn't break the bank.
Might be too casual for a legal contract.
N/A
Where to use 'Break the Bank'
Car Dealership
Is there a model that won't break the bank?
Dinner Date
This wine is great and didn't break the bank.
Office Meeting
We need a solution that won't break the bank.
Home Decor
You can fix the kitchen without breaking the bank.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, it is purely metaphorical. It refers to your personal savings or budget, not a physical bank building.
Yes, you can use it for anything from a coffee to a house. For example, This fancy latte won't break the bank.
It is slightly casual but generally safe if you are discussing project budgets. It shows you are cost-conscious.
You could say something is dirt cheap or a steal. These mean the item is very inexpensive.
You can use both! Use break for the future or general facts, and broke for something you already bought.
Usually, we use 'the' bank. Saying break my bank sounds a bit unnatural to native speakers.
Yes, it is used in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. It is a globally understood English idiom.
Not at all. It is a common way to complain about high prices without being offensive.
No, it only applies to costs, prices, or activities. You wouldn't say a person 'breaks the bank' unless they are spending all your money.
Yes, but it's more descriptive. It implies the cost is so high it might ruin your finances.
관련 표현
Cost an arm and a leg
To be extremely expensive.
Pay through the nose
To pay much more than something is worth.
A dent in the wallet
A large expense that reduces your available cash.
Cheap as chips
Very inexpensive (Common in British English).
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