Breaking the Bank 💥
Definition: To ruin financially, to exhaust (one’s) resources. This term originates from the gambling world, where it means someone has won more money than the banker (house) can pay. A famous literary use can be found in Thackeray’s Pendennis (1850): “He had seen his friend . . . break the bank three nights running.” Today, it’s often used ironically, such as in “I guess another ice cream cone won’t break the bank.”
Synonyms:
- Bankrupt
- Clean out
- Deplete
- Ruin financially
Antonyms:
- Enrich
- Fortify
- Save up
- Prosper
Humorous Quote: “I have enough money to last me the rest of my life, unless I buy something.” — Jackie Mason
Related Terms and Expressions:
- Burning a hole in one’s pocket: Spending money quickly.
- Penny wise and pound foolish: Being careful with small sums of money but wasteful with larger amounts.
- Gone for a song: Bought very cheaply.
Proverbs & Common Phrases:
- “Money talks.”
- “A fool and his money are soon parted.”
- “He who will not economize will have to agonize.”
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- Book: The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
- Song: “If I Had $1,000,000” by Barenaked Ladies
- Movie: The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
- Poem: “Money” by Philip Larkin
Quizzes for the Fun-Loving Financially Literate
Inspirational Thought: “Remember, in the world of financial success, it’s not about how much you spend, but how wisely you use your resources.”
Farewell until next time, when we tackle more tantalizing tidbits of talk!
