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break the bank

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break the bank

Fig. to use up all one's money. (Alludes to casino gambling, in the rare event when a gambler wins more money than the house has on hand.) It will hardly break the bank if we go out to dinner just once. Buying a new dress at a discount price won't break the bank.

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break the bank

to cost too much Having a winter vacation in the sun without breaking the bank is a dream come true.

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not break the bank

to not be too expensive And at ￡12.99 a bottle, this is a champagne that won't break the bank.

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break the bank

Ruin one financially, exhaust one's resources, as in I guess the price of a movie won't break the bank. This term originated in gambling, where it means that a player has won more than the banker (the house) can pay. It also may be used ironically, as above. [c. 1600]

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break the bank

To require more money than is available.

See also: bank, break