Can Take It to the Bank, Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
August 26, 2023

The idiom "can take it to the bank" is an expression that means you can trust something to be authentic or reliable. It is often used to emphasize a statement or a promise that is certain or guaranteed.

In short:

  • This idiom refers to something you can believe to be true or dependable.
  • This is a way to stress that a statement or a promise is sure or certain to happen.
  • It comes from the idea of depositing money in a bank and being able to withdraw it later.

What Does "Can Take It to the Bank" Mean?

The idiom "can take it to the bank" means you can trust something trustworthy or reliable. It implies something is as specific or guaranteed as the money you deposit in a bank and expect to withdraw later. You can use this idiom to emphasize a statement or promise you are confident about or have evidence for.

Some related expressions are:

  • Bank on it
  • Take that to the bank
  • Bet your bottom dollar

Where Does "Can Take It to the Bank" Come From?

The origin of the idiom "can take it to the bank" is not clear, but it is likely related to the concept of banking and money. Banks are supposed to be safe and secure places where people can store their money and access it when needed. Therefore, banking is often associated with trust, reliability, and certainty.

The idiom became popular in the 1970s when it was used by a character named Baretta in an American TV show of the same name. Baretta was a detective who often said, "You can take that to the bank" as his catchphrase whenever he made a promise or a statement he was sure about. The show ran from 1975 to 1978 and had a large audience.

10 Examples of "Can Take It to the Bank" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use the idiom "can take it to the bank" in different sentences:

  • She often says she loves me and I can take it to the bank. She will never let me down.
  • He said he would finish his project by tomorrow. Fret not. You can take that to the bank. He always meets his deadlines.
  • Yaas! They promised me a promotion next week. I can take it to the bank. They are honest and fair employers.
  • She said she would call me later. Can I take that to the bank? Or is she just saying that? Whaddya say?
  • He said he would never cheat on me again. I don't care if I can take that to the bank. He has broken my trust before.
  • They said they would pay us at their earliest convenience. We can take it to the bank. They are a legitimate company.
  • Mindy said she would be there at 8 o'clock. No worries. You can take that to the bank. She is very punctual and reliable.
  • He said he would quit smoking for good. I can take it to the bank. He has been trying hard, and he has strong willpower. Mind over matter!
  • They said they would support me no matter what. I can take it to the bank. They are my family, and they love me unconditionally.
  • James said he will win the race. You can take that to the bank. He is swift and competitive.

Examples of "Can Take It to the Bank" in Pop Culture

The idiom "can take it to the bank" has been used in various forms of pop culture.

Here are some examples:

  • In the 1988 movie Die Hard, the villain Hans Gruber tells the hero John McClane: "You can take this to the bank: I guarantee that we'll have no further interruption from your husband."
  • In the 1994 book The Chamber by John Grisham, the lawyer Adam Hall says to his client Sam Cayhall: "You're not going to die in this chamber, Sam. You can take that to the bank."
  • In the 2005 game, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, the character Big Smoke says to the protagonist CJ: "You can take this money and buy a better life, or you can take this money and buy a better death. You can take that to the bank."

Other Ways to Say "Can Take It to the Bank"

Here are some other ways to say "can take it to the bank" that have similar meanings:

  • You can bet on it
  • You can count on it
  • You can trust me on this
  • You can be sure of it
  • You can rest assured
  • You have my word
  • You have my guarantee
  • It's a sure thing
  • It's a done deal
  • It's as good as gold

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Can Take It to the Bank"

Here are some frequently asked questions about the idiom "can take it to the bank" and their answers:

  • What does "can take it to the bank" mean?

The idiom "can take it to the bank" is an expression that means you can trust something to be authentic or reliable. It is often used to emphasize a statement or a promise that is certain or guaranteed.

  • What is the origin of the phrase "can take it to the bank"?

The origin of the idiom "can take it to the bank" is not clear, but it is likely related to the concept of banking and money. Banks are supposed to be safe and secure places where people can store their money and access it when needed. Therefore, banking is often associated with trust, reliability, and certainty.

  • What are some synonyms for "can take it to the bank"?

Some synonyms for "can take it to the bank" are "you can bet on it," "you have my word," "it's a sure thing," "it's a done deal," "rest assured," and "trust me on this."

  • Is "can take it to the bank" a compliment or an insult?

It depends on how it is used and who is saying it. It can be a compliment if someone expresses their confidence or assurance in something or someone. It can be an insult if someone is being sarcastic or mocking someone else's credibility or honesty.

  • How do you use "can take it to the bank" in a sentence?

You can use "can take it to the bank" in a sentence after making a statement or promise you want to emphasize or guarantee.

  • Is "can take it to the bank" a formal or informal expression?

The idiom "can take it to the bank" is an informal expression primarily used in spoken language. It is inappropriate for formal or academic writing unless you are quoting someone or using it as an example of an idiom.

  • What is the tone of "can take it to the bank"?

The tone of "can take it to the bank" can vary depending on how it is used and who is saying it. It can be positive, negative, neutral, confident, sarcastic, humorous, etc.

  • How do you respond to someone who says, "you can take that to the bank"?

There are different ways to respond to someone who says, "you can take that to the bank," depending on whether you agree or disagree with them and whether you want to be polite or rude, but the best way is to thank them simply for the assurance.

  • What is the difference between "can take it to the bank" and "bank on it"?

Both idioms mean you can trust something or someone, but they have slightly different nuances. "Can take it to the bank" is usually used after making a statement or promise you want to emphasize or guarantee. "Bank on it" is generally used before stating something you are sure about.

  • What is the opposite of "can take it to the bank"?

The opposite of "can take it to the bank" is something that means you cannot trust something or someone, such as "don't believe a word of it," "don't hold your breath," "don't count your chickens before they hatch," etc.

Final Thoughts About "Can Take It to the Bank"

The idiom "can take it to the bank" is a helpful expression that means you can trust something or someone to be valid or reliable. It comes from the idea of depositing money in a bank and being able to withdraw it later. It is often used to emphasize a statement or a promise that is certain or guaranteed.

To summarize, here are some basic facts about this idiom:

  • It means you can believe something or someone
  • It originated in the mid-20th century
  • It has some variations and related expressions
  • It has been used in various forms of pop culture
  • It is an informal expression that can have different tones
  • It can be responded to in different ways

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