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
This tiny house embraces the small living movement's humble roots by offering a towable home for two that doesn't break the bank.
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New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2026
For easy home upgrades that won’t break the bank, check out this steel hat organizer that makes spring cleaning easier ($8), a luxe fleece blanket that’s perfect for layering ($9), and area rug grippers that help prevent slips and trips ($6).
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026
Even though Oxfords give off expensive vibes, there’s no need to break the bank to get your hands on a really good one.
—Annie Blackman, InStyle, 20 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
See All Example Sentences for break the bank
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New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2026
For easy home upgrades that won’t break the bank, check out this steel hat organizer that makes spring cleaning easier ($8), a luxe fleece blanket that’s perfect for layering ($9), and area rug grippers that help prevent slips and trips ($6).
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026
Even though Oxfords give off expensive vibes, there’s no need to break the bank to get your hands on a really good one.
—Annie Blackman, InStyle, 20 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
See All Example Sentences for break the bank
Cite this Entry
“Break the bank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20the%20bank. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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