The phrase "breaks bank" is often used to describe a situation where a person has spent an excessive amount of money. The spelling of "breaks" uses the consonant blend /br/ at the beginning, followed by the short vowel sound /ɛ/ in the middle and the voiceless fricative sound /ks/ at the end. The word "bank" uses the voiced glottal nasal sound /ŋ/ in the middle, which can be a challenge to spell correctly for some learners. Proper pronunciation and spelling of these words can aid in effective communication and understanding.
The phrase "breaks bank" is an idiomatic expression derived from a combination of two words - "break" and "bank." It is commonly used to denote a situation or action that exceeds or greatly strains one's financial resources or budget, leading to a considerable financial burden or hardship.
When an expense or purchase "breaks bank," it means that it consumes a significant portion of an individual's available funds, often leaving them with little to no money remaining. The phrase can be used to describe a wide range of circumstances, such as exorbitant prices for goods or services, unexpected financial obligations, or excessive spending beyond one's means.
"Breaks bank" can also convey a sense of exaggeration to emphasize the financial impact of a particular event or action. Although the phrase does not necessarily imply literal bankruptcy or depletion of an individual's entire savings, it does indicate a substantial loss of financial stability or strain on one's budget.
In summary, the term "breaks bank" signifies a financial situation wherein an expenditure or event exceeds a person's financial means or negatively impacts their financial stability, resulting in a significant financial burden or constraint.