Example
“A small apartment in that neighborhood can cost the earth.”
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
move heaven and earth
CEFR B2to spare no effort, even extraordinary effort, in pursuing a goal
Neutral
a rip-off
CEFR B1Something that is far too expensive for what it is.
Informal
cost an arm and a leg
CEFR B1To be extremely expensive.
Informal
money doesn't grow on trees
CEFR B1Used to remind someone that money is limited and hard to earn.
Informal
tighten your belt
CEFR B1To spend less money because you have less than before.
Neutral
break the bank
CEFR B2To cost so much that it uses up all your money.
Informal
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.