English idiom

cost an arm and a leg

Register · Informal CEFR B1

Post

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

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

a rip-off

Something that is far too expensive for what it is.

money doesn't grow on trees

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

tighten your belt

To spend less money because you have less than before.

cost the earth

to be extraordinarily expensive

in the red

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.

External links

markdown