bank on
B1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To feel sure that something will happen and make plans because of that.
Literal meaning: To place something in a bank for safekeeping — the idiomatic leap is to placing trust or reliance in something.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To feel confident that something will happen and to plan accordingly.
"Don't bank on getting a promotion just because you've been here a long time."
"You can bank on the fact that if something can go wrong, it will."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
To trust someone to do what they have promised or what is expected of them.
"I've always been able to bank on Maria when things get tough."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Often used in the negative or with caution ('don't bank on it'). The metaphor comes from the idea of depositing trust as if depositing money. Common in both British and American English.
Commonly used with
support help outcome result win success
Forms
Base
bank on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
banks on
he/she/it
Past simple
banked on
yesterday
Past participle
banked on
have + pp
-ing form
banking on
continuous
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