But the big banks are balking, and they have their own problem loans to worry about.

If the banks balked, the borrowers threatened to halt debt payments.

Redlining is when banks balk at giving mortgages in certain areas.

Initially, the bank balked at lending the couple so much money for what bankers called a four-room house.

But 19 private banks deemed the project too risky and balked at lending them the rest.

When he recently sought $100 million in financing, he said, his bank balked at his terms.

The company has been seeking additional financing to help it through the bad times, but the banks are balking.

So far, however, banks have balked at the requests.

But smaller international banks are balking, bankers close to the talks said.

Seek out friends, relatives and associates who may lend you money for a business venture if the banks balk.