Idiom of the week

BANK ON

 

The idiom to bank on means to put one's trust in. In the past banks and the banking system were seen as the ultimate safe haven, and to put money in the bank was to trust the institution completely. That attitude has changed in recent times, but the expression remains useful.

 

Example #1: She will get the lead role in the play, and you can tell her she can bank on it.

Example #2: The boss has changed his mind about John – he now sees him as someone to bank on in a crisis.

Example #3: I feel that I can bank on his advice, because he's never been wrong before when it comes to investments.

Example #4: In a partnership enterprise, you have to able to bank on your partner or your business will fail.