Meaning & Explanation
The idiom “Break the bank” means to cost an extremely large amount of money – so much that it could theoretically bankrupt someone or an organization. It describes something that is prohibitively expensive.
Hindi Equivalent:
“बहुत महंगा होना”
Literal Meaning: “To be very expensive”
Detailed Explanation
This phrase originated from gambling, where “breaking the bank” meant winning more money than the casino had available to pay out. Today it refers to:
Extreme Costs: Prices that strain budgets Financial Risk: Purchases that could cause financial trouble Hyperbole: Often used as exaggeration for expensive items
Real-Life Examples
1. Luxury Purchases
- English: “That designer handbag would break the bank!”
- Hindi: “वह डिज़ाइनर हैंडबैग बहुत महंगा है!”
2. Weddings
- English: “Their wedding plans might break the bank.”
- Hindi: “उनकी शादी की योजनाएँ बहुत महंगी हो सकती हैं।”
3. Home Renovation
- English: “A complete kitchen remodel would break our bank.”
- Hindi: “पूरी रसोई का नवीनीकरण हमारे लिए बहुत महंगा होगा।”
Psychological & Social Insight
Why This Concept Matters:
✓ Financial Stress: Highlights money anxiety
✓ Status Symbol: Often tied to luxury items
✓ Budgeting: Warns against overspending
Modern Context:
✗ Inflation makes more things “bank-breaking”
✗ Often used humorously about everyday expenses
Usage Tips
Use for humorously describing high prices Appropriate in financial discussions Often appears with “would” or “might”
Similar Expressions
| English | Hindi |
|---|---|
| “Cost an arm and a leg” | “बहुत ज्यादा कीमत होना” |
| “Pay through the nose” | “बहुत अधिक भुगतान करना” |
| “Burn a hole in pocket” | “जेब पर भारी पड़ना” |
Cultural Perspectives
- Western Consumerism: Often used for luxury goods
- Indian Context: Increasingly relevant with rising costs
- Global Economy: Universal concept of financial strain
Reflection Questions:
- What purchases would “break the bank” for you?
- How do you decide when something is too expensive?
- Have rising costs changed what you consider “bank-breaking”?
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
