TOEFL TOEIC 기출 관용표현 - Break the bank

Break the bank

 

뜻 : 지나치게 많은 비용이 들다, 너무 비싸다

유래/어원
이 표현은 원래 카지노에서 사용된 용어로, 한 플레이어가 카지노가 지급할 수 있는 금액을 초과할 정도로 돈을 따서 '은행(Bank)'을 파산시켰다는 데서 유래했습니다. 현대에는 어떤 물건이나 서비스가 감당하기 어려울 정도로 비쌀 때 비유적으로 사용됩니다.

 

출제 사례

• 2019 TOEFL iBT 리스닝 – 소비 관련 상황 추론
• 2023 TOEIC RC Part 6 – 빈칸 어휘 문항에서 비용 표현으로 등장

Break the bank - TOEFL TOEIC 기출 관용 표현

예문

1. Upgrading your laptop doesn’t have to break the bank.
   (노트북을 업그레이드하는 데 큰돈이 들 필요는 없습니다.)
2. That vacation to Bali looks amazing, but it might break the bank.
   (발리 여행은 멋져 보이지만 비용이 너무 많이 들 수도 있어요.)
3. They managed to redecorate the office without breaking the bank.
   (그들은 큰 비용을 들이지 않고 사무실을 새로 꾸몄습니다.)
4. This new smartphone offers premium features that won’t break the bank.
   (이 새 스마트폰은 고급 기능을 제공하지만 가격은 부담되지 않아요.)
5. Hosting a small wedding doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan well.
   (작은 결혼식은 잘만 계획하면 큰돈이 들지 않을 수 있습니다.)

유사 표현과 반대 표현

 □ 유사 표현
   a) cost an arm and a leg (엄청 비싸다)

1. That designer bag cost an arm and a leg.
   (그 디자이너 가방은 엄청 비쌌어요.)
2. Sending your kids to private school may cost an arm and a leg.
   (자녀를 사립학교에 보내는 것은 큰 비용이 듭니다.)

   b) pay through the nose (바가지를 쓰다)

1. We paid through the nose for those concert tickets.
   (우리는 그 콘서트 티켓에 바가지를 썼어요.)
2. You’ll pay through the nose for rent in that area.
   (그 지역에서 월세를 구하면 엄청난 비용을 지불하게 될 거예요.)

□ 반대 표현
   a) a steal (거저나 다름없는 가격)

1. This vintage jacket was a steal at just $10.
   (이 빈티지 자켓은 10달러밖에 안 해서 정말 거저였어요.)
2. That used car was a steal, considering its condition.
   (그 중고차는 상태를 감안하면 정말 싸게 샀어요.)

   b) dirt cheap (엄청 싸다)

1. These books were dirt cheap at the flea market.
   (이 책들은 벼룩시장에서 정말 싸게 샀어요.)
2. The food here is dirt cheap but delicious.
   (이곳 음식은 정말 싸고 맛있어요.)