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.