an arm and a leg
Meaning
A very large amount of money; extremely expensive.
Origin
Popularized in the mid-20th century; the image suggests something so costly you’d have to give up body parts to pay, echoing wartime injury associations and exaggeration.
Notes
A casual exaggeration meaning “outrageously expensive,” often implying annoyance or disbelief. Common in speech and informal writing; avoid in very formal contexts.
Examples
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That new laptop costs an arm and a leg, so I’m waiting for a sale.
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We wanted to stay near the beach, but the hotel prices were an arm and a leg.
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Getting my car repaired after the accident cost an arm and a leg.
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The tickets were an arm and a leg, but the concert was worth it.
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Organic groceries can cost an arm and a leg at that fancy market.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Typically used after cost verbs: “cost (me) an arm and a leg,” “set me back an arm and a leg,” or “be an arm and a leg.” Article is fixed: “an,” not “the.” Pluralizing is uncommon.
Synonyms
- cost a fortune
- cost a pretty penny
- be pricey
- be expensive
- be extortionate
Antonyms
- cost next to nothing
- be cheap
- be affordable
- be reasonably priced