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.
Now is not the time to spend and break the bank sending packages across the country, Dana. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Nov. 2025 My company covered my commuting costs and groceries didn’t break the bank. Ashley Peters, CNBC, 16 Nov. 2025 Fortunately, like most coffee making equipment, great grinders don’t need to break the bank, with excellent options existing all along the price spectrum. Jack Byram, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025 Supermarket Centerpieces For a Thanksgiving centerpiece that looks beautiful but won't break the bank, take inspiration from this '90s supermarket centerpiece. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 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 24 Nov. 2025.

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!