cost an arm and a leg
idiomE
Very expensive or costing a lot of money
- 1The new phone cost an arm and a leg, so I decided not to buy it.
- 2Going on vacation during the holiday season can cost an arm and a leg.
When something "costs an arm and a leg," it means it is very expensive and you have to pay a lot of money for it. It is like saying something is really pricey and you need to spend a lot of your hard-earned cash to buy it.
Remember, the expression "cost an arm and a leg" is used informally to emphasize high prices. It is not meant to be taken literally, so don't worry about losing any body parts when discussing expensive items!
at an art exhibition
The Price of Art
Brian
Wow, that painting is stunning!
Ashley
It sure is, but I heard it cost an arm and a leg.
Brian
I guess beauty comes at a price.
Ashley
Absolutely, but it's worth every penny for some.
at the workplace
The Pricey Gadget
Kimberly
Did you hear about the new phone release?
Kenneth
Yeah, I heard it cost an arm and a leg.
Kimberly
I know, it's way out of my budget.
Kenneth
Same here, maybe next year.
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Similar to "cost an arm and a leg":
- 1very expensive
- 2costly
- 3pricey