Idiom: Pay an arm and a leg for something
Meaning
To pay a lot of money for something. You can also say that something “costs an arm and a leg.”
a very large amount of money
To pay an exorbitant amount of money for something.
Examples
“The price of chocolate has doubled. I nearly paid an arm and a leg for a small candy bar.”
It’s a reliable car, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
I just want to travel somewhere sunny and warm without paying an arm and a leg.
I hate to have to pay an arm and a leg for a tank of gas.
We want to redecorate the living room, but I’m afraid it’s going to cost us an arm and a leg.
These shoes cost me an arm and a leg.
Drinks at that club cost an arm and a leg.
“It cost them an arm and a leg to fix up a rumpus room for junior!”
Buying a brand new car is so expensive, it is going to cost us an arm and a leg. Maybe we should ride bikes or take the bus to work instead in order to save money.
I’d like to have a new farmhouse, but it may cost me an arm and a leg.
This dress is lovely, but it cost me an arm and a leg.
It would be best if you visited that restaurant; the food is really good, and it doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg.
“How much would you pay for a luxurious farmhouse by the beach? An arm and a leg?”
I would have loved to go with my friends on vacation, but it would have cost me an arm and a leg.
The show is excellent, but the tickets cost an arm and a leg.
He really wants to go to that event. He’s willing to pay an arm and a leg for it.
I went to the auction but didn’t pick up anything. Everything cost an arm and a leg.
This resort lets you experience luxury without having to pay an arm and a leg.
How can I buy you a golden-plated plane that costs an arm and a leg?
The electric scooter is the best thing to go anywhere without the cost of an arm and a leg.
I will not buy a new Apple iPhone as it costs an arm and a leg.
Our night on the town cost us an arm and a leg
Origin
The origin of this phrase is unclear.
One theory is that this saying originated in the early 20th century, possibly during one of the major World Wars. The idea is that soldiers, because of their heavy involvement in war and being in the line of fire, can possibly lose a hand, foot, leg, or arm. Thus, the war would literally cost the person their arm or leg, which is a high price to pay.
Synonyms
- Costs a pretty penny
- A small fortune
- Nothing to sneeze at
- very expensive
- costing a lot of money
- to be very expensive
- a very large and exorbitant sum of money
- very costly
- excessively pricey
FAQs
To pay a lot of money for something. You can also say that something “costs an arm and a leg.”
“The price of chocolate has doubled. I nearly paid an arm and a leg for a small candy bar.”