English Idiom – Cost an Arm and a Leg
Meaning – Very expensive.
This expression is used when something costs a lot of money — an expensive item, or something you feel you paid too much for. You wouldn’t really give up an arm and a leg for any amount of money, so the phrase captures just how steep the price feels.
Example – “I don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on a new car!”
A related variation: “I’d give my right arm for (something)” — used when you want something very badly, rather than describing a price. “I’d give my right arm for a brand new bimmer!”
When could you use this idiom?
- You’ve spent too much money on something fancy or luxurious.
- Your holiday turned out to be very expensive.
- You see someone with a flashy new car or a new house.
- A friend shows you their engagement ring: “It must have cost my boyfriend an arm and a leg!”
Did you know? Despite a popular story linking this phrase to soldiers who lost limbs in World War II, most etymologists consider that origin unverified — it’s a good story, but not a documented one. The phrase’s first solid appearances in print are American, from the years just after the war, but its real origin is simpler: it’s a vivid exaggeration, in the same playful tradition as “I’d give my right arm for…”
Similar idioms:
What is an idiom?
An idiom is a word or phrase that is not taken literally. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words, but has a separate meaning of its own.
What is FunkyEnglish?
FunkyEnglish is a website that helps you improve your English. We offer quick lessons that teach idioms, slang, phrasal verbs and more. Visit our homepage to see our latest articles, or use the menu to find specific content!