To rely confidently on something happening or someone doing something.
To feel sure that something will happen and make plans because of that.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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.
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."
To place something in a bank for safekeeping — the idiomatic leap is to placing trust or reliance in something.
To feel sure that something will happen and make plans because of that.
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.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "bank on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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