bank on — depend on something happening
phrasal verbB2IELTS 6+neutralcommon
To rely on something or someone to happen or help you, because you expect it will.
Say it like a native
Textbook I would not rely with absolute certainty upon his attendance.
Native I wouldn't bank on him showing up.
'Rely with absolute certainty upon' is wordy; 'bank on' is the natural idiom.
Pattern: bank on + noun/gerund
In use
- You can always bank on Sarah to help you when you need it.daily life
- In my opinion, you can't bank on good weather for outdoor events, so it's important to have a backup plan.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Don't bank on to get a refund.
✓ Don't bank on getting a refund.
'Bank on' + -ing or a noun, never 'to + verb'.
Common collocations
bank on + outcome— it, him, getting, that
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'count out' (which means to not include or not expect something).