cost an arm and a leg

cost an arm and a leg

Meaning | Synonyms

• very expensive
• costing a lot of money
• to be very expensive
• a very large and exorbitant sum of money
• very costly
• excessively pricey
• cost a fortune

Example Sentences

1. I'd really like to have a new farm house, but it may cost me an arm and a leg.
2. This dress is really nice, but it cost me an arm and a leg.
3. You must visit that restaurant; the food is really good, and it doesn't cost you an arm and a leg.
4. “How much would you pay for luxurious farmhouse by the beach? An arm and a leg?”
5. I would have loved to go with my friends on a vacation, but it would have cost me an arm and a leg.
6. The show is excellent, but the tickets cost an arm and a leg.
7. He really wants to go to that event. He's willing to pay an arm and a leg for it.
8. I went to the auction but didn't pick up anything. Everything cost an arm and a leg.
9. This resort lets you experience luxury without having to pay an arm and a leg.

Origin

This is an American phrase, coined sometime after World War II. Probable reference is to soldiers who had lost their limbs in the war, thus having to pay a very high price for the war.