In the world of IELTS preparation, having a rich vocabulary can greatly enhance your performance, especially in the Speaking and Writing sections. Today, we’re going to delve into the idiom “break the bank”—a useful phrase that can make your English sound more natural and sophisticated.
Understanding “Break the Bank”
Meaning and Pronunciation
“Break the bank” /breɪk ðə bæŋk/ is an idiomatic expression that means to spend more money than one can afford. It’s often used to describe a situation where someone has made a very expensive purchase or has been involved in an activity that cost them a significant amount of money.
Related Keywords and Phrases
Cost a Fortune /kɒst ə ˈfɔːtʃən/ (v): To be very expensive.
- Example: Buying a luxury car can cost a fortune.
Splurge /splɜːdʒ/ (v): To spend a lot of money on something.
- Example: She decided to splurge on a designer handbag.
Burn a Hole in One’s Pocket /bɜːn ə hoʊl ɪn wʌnz ˈpɒkɪt/ (idiom): Money that someone feels the urge to spend quickly.
- Example: The bonus burned a hole in his pocket, so he bought a new watch.
Exorbitant /ɪɡˈzɔːbɪtənt/ (adj): Unreasonably high in price.
- Example: The tickets for the concert were exorbitant.
Lavish /ˈlævɪʃ/ (adj): Very generous or extravagant.
- Example: They threw a lavish party for their anniversary.
Analyzing Its Usage in IELTS Tests
“Break the bank” is not a formal phrase, so it’s less likely to appear in IELTS Reading or Listening sections of academic passages. However, it is very useful for the Speaking and Writing sections, particularly when describing expenses, financial situations, or lifestyles.
How to Use “Break the Bank” in IELTS
Speaking Task 2 Response Examples
In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you may be asked to describe a situation where you spent a lot of money. Here’s an example:
- Prompt: Describe a purchase that you think was very expensive.
Response:
“One of the most memorable purchases I’ve ever made was a holiday trip to Europe. While planning the trip, I tried to be frugal, but the overall cost almost broke the bank. The flights, accommodation, and sightseeing expenses added up to a rather substantial sum, but the experience was absolutely worth it.”
Writing Task 2 Examples
For IELTS Writing Task 2, idiomatic expressions like “break the bank” can make your essay more engaging. Here’s an example:
- Topic: Some people believe that spending a lot of money on celebrations is wasteful. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Example Paragraph:
“Celebrations are integral to our social fabric, yet excessive spending on these events can be seen as wasteful. For instance, many lavish weddings can break the bank, leaving the couple financially strained for years. While it is important to celebrate special occasions, it is crucial to do so within one’s financial means.”
Using Break the Bank in Context
Combining “Break the Bank” with Other Words
Usage with Adjectives and Adverbs
Practically broke the bank: Indicates that something almost cost too much.
- Example: The renovation project practically broke the bank.
Nearly broke the bank: Similar to the above, it shows that the expense was very high but just manageable.
- Example: Buying a house nearly broke the bank.
Synonymous Expressions
Cost an arm and a leg: Used to indicate something is very expensive.
- Example: The new smartphone cost an arm and a leg.
Go overboard: To exceed reasonable limits, often in spending.
- Example: Don’t go overboard with your budget on holiday shopping.
Idioms Related to “Break the Bank”
Spare No Expense: To be willing to spend as much money as necessary.
- Example: They spared no expense for their daughter’s wedding.
Pay through the Nose: To pay much more than something is worth.
- Example: Tourists often pay through the nose in popular destinations.
Throw Money Down the Drain: To waste money.
- Example: Spending money on unnecessary luxury items is like throwing money down the drain.
Deep Pockets: To have a lot of money.
- Example: The charity event was funded by someone with deep pockets.
Live Beyond One’s Means: To spend more money than one can afford.
- Example: He was living beyond his means, leading to significant debt.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering idioms like “break the bank” can significantly enrich your English vocabulary and enhance your performance in the IELTS exam, particularly the Speaking and Writing sections. Incorporating such phrases can make your responses more vivid and engaging, setting you apart from other candidates. Don’t forget to practice using these expressions naturally to maximize your score potential.
Happy studying, and may your IELTS journey be both enriching and rewarding!