to break even

Idiom: to break even (used as a verb)

                    
First Example:

            Manager: I'm sorry, but we won't be able to give that raise you asked for.

            Employee: That's too bad. Can you explain why?

            Manager: Well, the rent for the building went up, and we lost a couple clients. Unfortunately, we barely broke even the last two months.

            Employee: Wow, I didn't realize it was that bad.

            Manager: Well, hopefully this new client will work out and we'll be bringing in more income starting next month.

Meaning: The expression "to break even" means to spend the same amount of money as was earned. In the example, the manager explains that the employee won't be getting a raise because the company "barely broke even," meaning that the company spent what they had earned and had no profits.

Second Example:

            Chris: How was the casino?

            Tania: It was so much fun! You should have come!

            Chris: Did you win any money?

            Tania: Yeah! I made enough to pay for the plane tickets and hotel room, so I basically broke even.

            Chris: Wow, so a free vacation! 

            Tania: Yeah! It would have been nice to make money, but it was still a surprise to break even and still have so much fun.

Meaning: In the second example, Tania "broke even" on her trip, making enough money at the casino to pay for her travel and accommodations.