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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Choose natural phrases for relying on a person, expecting an outcome, or describing something as nearly certain.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptVOA explains several money-related expressions for trust and confidence. “Bank on” means to expect or rely on something, while “money in the bank” and “take that to the bank” describe strong confidence. The episode also uses “laugh all the way to the bank” for profiting from something others doubted.
Cultural note: These are figurative expressions, not guarantees. “You can take that to the bank” sounds emphatic and can be playful; use it only when the context supports strong confidence. “Laugh all the way to the bank” can imply that someone profited despite criticism or unfairness.
Keep exploringWhen you depend on a person, plan, or prediction, how sure are you? Compare expressions for ordinary trust with phrases that sound almost certain.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Explain what or whom you expect to come through.
Meaning
Expect something to happen or rely on it.
Tone & use
Often followed by a person, plan, or expected result. It expresses confidence, not proof.
Example
“We are banking on the morning train being on time, so we left a backup route in the plan.”
Meaning
Trust that a person or thing will be available or dependable.
Tone & use
A common everyday alternative to “bank on.” Use “count on someone to do something” for a person’s expected action.
Example
“I can count on Priya to send the meeting notes after the call.”
Show strong belief while leaving room for real-world uncertainty.
Meaning
Very likely or dependable; something you feel confident will be there or happen.
Tone & use
An informal comparison that suggests security. It may be used humorously, so it is not a literal financial guarantee.
Example
“With her preparation and experience, a clear presentation is almost like money in the bank.”
Recognition caution
Meaning
Treat something as certain or trust that it is true.
Tone & use
Usually said emphatically or playfully. Avoid it when the outcome is genuinely uncertain or consequential.
Example
“The bakery sells out before noon on Saturdays—you can take that to the bank.”
Emphatic wording can overstate certainty; it does not make a prediction guaranteed.
Describe earning money despite other people’s doubts.
Meaning
Make a lot of money, sometimes despite other people’s doubts or criticism.
Tone & use
Often humorous or critical. It can suggest that the profit came from something others considered foolish or questionable.
Example
“People doubted the small board-game shop, but its online sales grew and the owner was laughing all the way to the bank.”
Knowledge check
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