Take That to the Bank—A Guide to Teaching Reliable Statements

Take that to the bank is an idiom used to say that something is reliable, certain, or trustworthy. It is often used to emphasize the validity or truthfulness of a statement or promise.

Idioms like take that to the bank are expressions or phrases with meanings that go beyond the literal interpretation of their individual words. They are essential in the English language for adding depth, cultural context, and vividness to communication. They help convey ideas concisely, enhancing the richness of language and facilitating nuanced expression.

In this guide, I’ll go over the idiom’s deeper meaning, origin, and proper usage. I’ll also provide some sentence examples, alternative phrases, and tips for practical use. After reading, why not test your knowledge of the idiom by taking the fun quiz? Let’s get started!

What Does the Idiom Take That to the Bank Mean?

The idiom take that to the bank refers to something or someone you can depend on. It can also describe an action, idea, statement, or promise you can assume is true and accurate.

According to the Collins Dictionary, the idiom implies that “something or an event will most definitely, securely, without a doubt, guaranteed will happen.” Similarly, The Free Dictionary defines it as “to believe that a particular statement or piece of information is definitely true (at least according to the speaker).”

Imagine a colleague confidently presenting a well-researched proposal during a team meeting, asserting, “You can take that to the bank; our new strategy is bound to increase productivity.” In this scenario, the speaker expresses strong confidence in the proposal’s effectiveness, encouraging others to trust its reliability and success.

Literal Meaning vs. Figurative Meaning

The literal meaning of take that to the bank is to take cash, checks, or other valuables to the bank for safekeeping or to pay into your account.

Figuratively, it means that the information or statement can be relied upon or considered certain and trustworthy.

Variations of the Idiom

Here are some variations of the idiom take that to the bank:

• Bank on it
• Bet the bank on it
• You can cash that check
• Money in the bank

How Is Take That to the Bank Commonly Used in Context?

The idiom take that to the bank is a phrase that asserts certainty and reliability, often emphasizing the trustworthiness of a statement or information. In everyday communication, this expression plays a role in instilling confidence in what is being conveyed.

In the following sections, we will explore various ways the idiom is commonly used, offer tips for its effective application, and provide examples to illustrate its usage in real-world contexts.

What Are the Different Ways to Use the Idiom Take That to the Bank?

• Affirmation: “When he gives you his word, you can take that to the bank.”
• Assurance of reliability: “This warranty is solid; you can take that to the bank.”
• Trustworthiness: “What I heard isn’t just a nasty rumor; trust me, you can take that to the bank.”
• Making a commitment: “I’ll finish the project on time; you can bank on it.”
• Confirm a certainty: “That horse is a sure thing in today’s big race; take that to the bank.”
• Expressing confidence: “My boss has considerable expertise in the matter. You can take that to the bank.”
• Negative context: “You can’t always rely on her reliability. If she says she’ll be there on time, I wouldn’t bank on it.”

What Are Some Tips for Using the Idiom Take That to the Bank Effectively?

• Use the correct context: The idiom should be used in an informal context, or when discussing non-serious subjects with people you know well.
• Use the right tone: When using this phrase, use a light-hearted tone that reflects the casual meaning of the expression.
• Use the expression appropriately: Use the idiom to convey the opinion that whatever you refer to is dependable, reliable, and true. The phrase can be used in many circumstances and situations, including personal relationships, exchanges with work colleagues, and sporting events.
• Avoid overuse: Although the idiom is widely used in modern conversations, I recommend mixing things up by using variations of the phrase. That approach helps to keep your language interesting and fresh.
• Know your audience: Since this idiom has both literal and figurative meanings, it’s crucial to clarify your context if you use it when addressing an audience whose first language is not English.

Where Can You Find Examples of the Idiom Take That to the Bank?

Take that to the bank is used regularly in many forms of media, including public speeches, TV, movies, and everyday conversation and writing.

Here are a few examples of it being quoted by some online publications:

I suppose that would be a good moment to debut some sort of secret, but I wouldn’t bank on it. (Forbes)

“If Tracy Read says something, I would take it to the bank,” Denman said. (Texas Monthly)

What Is the Origin of the Idiom Take That to the Bank?

The expression take it to the bank was coined in the mid-twentieth century and was popularized by the American television show Baretta, which aired during the 1970s. The idea is that the thing being described can be counted on as dependably as the money locked in a bank safe.

How Did the Idiom Evolve Over Time?

Not surprisingly, the idiom’s popularity dramatically increased in the 1970s, largely because of its use in the TV show. However, from that time onward, people’s trust in banks increased, and their services were more widely used, which likely gave rise to the increase in the phrase’s usage. 

What Are Some Related Terms to Take That to the Bank?

It can be helpful to know a few antonyms, synonyms, and other related terms to idioms. That will enable you to use them in the correct context and choose alternatives to avoid too much repetition.

Synonyms

• Bet on it
• Count on it
• You can depend on it
• Without a doubt
• You can quote me on it
• Take it as gospel

Antonyms

• Question it
• Doubt it
• Take it with a pinch of salt
• Doubtful
• Skeptical
• Unreliable

What Have We Learned about Take That to the Bank?

The idiom take that to the bank means that something is a dead certainty to happen. The phrase was coined in the mid-20th century, and a 1970s TV show is generally credited with the expression’s popularity.

These days, the idiom is used in a light-hearted way in everyday conversation and throughout popular media. You can use the phrase in any informal setting, such as when chatting with family and friends. However, its use in business or academia is probably best avoided for the sake of clarity.

In addition, although the idiom can bring color and variety to your speech and writing, be sure to explain what you mean to an audience who are non-native English speakers or who might be unfamiliar with the expression. That’s especially important since the saying has a literal meaning as well as a figurative one.