The idiom "dropped a bundle" means to suffer a significant financial loss. It is spelled /drɒpt ə ˈbʌndəl/ in IPA transcription. The spelling of "dropped" uses a past tense -ed suffix, while "bundle" is spelled with a silent -e at the end. The stress is on the second syllable of "bundle," which is indicated by the apostrophe in the transcription. The word "dropped" is pronounced with a voiceless /t/ sound at the end due to the following consonant.
"Dropped a bundle" is an idiomatic expression that originates from casual conversation and is primarily used in colloquial English. This phrase is often used to describe a significant financial loss or failure in a business or investment venture.
When someone says they "dropped a bundle," they are referring to losing a substantial amount of money or suffering financial setbacks. The term "bundle" in this context represents a large sum of money, suggesting that the loss is considerable. The phrase can also emphasize the sudden and unexpected nature of the financial loss, implying that the person was caught off guard.
Typically, "dropped a bundle" is used in situations where a person or a company has invested a significant amount of money in a project or enterprise that ultimately fails to generate the desired profit. For instance, if an entrepreneur starts a business and ends up bankrupt, they could say they "dropped a bundle" on that venture.
Overall, "dropped a bundle" is a figurative expression used to convey the idea of significant monetary loss or financial failure. It is important to note that this phrase is informal and is primarily used in casual conversations rather than in professional or formal settings.