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.
Having fun doesn’t have to break the bank. Usa Today, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026 Small Side Tables Small side tables are the perfect finishing touch for the living room and certainly don't need to break the bank. Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2026 This genuine leather wallet won’t break the bank or add any extra weight to your day bag or purse. Stephanie Gray, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026 An excellent way to source unique bedroom furnishings that do not break the bank is by turning to secondhand retailers, ranging from vintage stores to flea markets to online offerings such as Facebook Marketplace. Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 30 Dec. 2025 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 30 Jan. 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!