break the bank

idiom

: to be very expensive or too expensive : to cost a lot of money
usually used in negative statements
Buy a car that's dependable but won't break the bank.

Examples of break the bank in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The casual, no-frills set doesn’t break the bank and still maintains a soft, luxurious feel. John Monaco, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026 And receiver Puka Nacua is positioned to potentially break the bank with an extension. Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026 In fact, a restorative wellness getaway doesn't have to break the bank at all. Madeline Weinfield, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2026 In late 2024, after her mother-in-law fell and broke her femur following knee surgery, Holly Robinson hunted for care that wouldn’t break the bank. Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for break the bank

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Break the bank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20the%20bank. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster