cost an arm and a leg

Register · Informal Informal — used in casual, everyday conversation among friends and family. Avoid in formal writing or professional settings. CEFR B1

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Figurative meaning

To be extremely expensive.

Why this phrase?

Exaggerates price as the loss of valuable body parts.

Example

“That designer jacket cost an arm and a leg.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

break the bank Informal · CEFR B2

To cost so much that it uses up all your money.

a rip-off Informal · CEFR B1

Something that is far too expensive for what it is.

money doesn't grow on trees Informal · CEFR B1

Used to remind someone that money is limited and hard to earn.

tighten your belt Neutral · CEFR B1

To spend less money because you have less than before.

cost the earth Informal · CEFR B2

to be extraordinarily expensive

in the red Neutral · CEFR B2

Owing money or operating at a financial loss.

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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