break the bank, to
To ruin financially, to exhaust (one’s) resources. The term comes from gambling, where it means someone has won more than the banker (house) can pay. It was so used by Thackeray (“He had seen his friend . . . break the bank three nights running,” Pendennis, 1850). Today as a negative it is sometimes used ironically, as in “I guess another ice cream cone won’t break the bank.”
Related Expressions, Phrases, and Idioms
- Go for broke: To risk everything; leave nothing behind.
- Penny-wise, pound-foolish: Saving small sums at the expense of larger ones.
- Can’t afford to turn a hair: No financial flexibility.
- Burning a hole in one’s pocket: Money that is quickly and wastefully spent.
- Spending money like water: Spending without consideration.
Synonyms
- Bankrupting
- Compromising financially
- Cash-strapping
- Draining finances
Antonyms
- Saving a penny
- Stashing cash
- Building a nest egg
- Increasing wealth
Quotes, Proverbs, and References
“I may be a living dollar bill, but even some pleasures don’t deplete me!” – Oliver $$
“A fool and his money are soon parted.” Rhyme or reason, heed this advice!
“For everything else, there’s Mastercard. But think twice, else it’ll break the bank!” – Humorous variation of a famous slogan.
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Book: “The Gambler” by Fyodor Dostoevsky
- Song: “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits
- Poem: “The Ruined Maid” by Thomas Hardy—observe the cost of prosperity.
- Movie: “21” (2008), inspired by the true story of MIT students who broke the bank in Vegas
Remember, the trick to managing your finances is to balance the scales! Don’t break the bank; instead, make smart investments that call more casinos to cash your chips. 🍀💵
Have a fiscal-tastic day! 🌟📈
– B. Richwordly 🍀
