Idiom
cost an arm and a leg
Meanings
To be extremely expensive; to cost a very large amount of money.
Definition
To cost an arm and a leg means to be extremely expensive.
If something costs an arm and a leg, it is much more expensive than you think is reasonable. People use this idiom to complain about high prices or to emphasize how costly something was. It is usually informal and often used in everyday conversation.
Examples
- That concert ticket cost an arm and a leg, but it was worth it.
- Rent in this neighborhood costs an arm and a leg.
- Their new sofa must have cost an arm and a leg.
- I like that laptop, but it costs an arm and a leg.
- Fixing my car cost an arm and a leg this month.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idioms
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- down to the wire If something goes down to the wire, it is decided at the very last moment before the deadline or fi…
- lost the plot To become confused or unreasonable and no longer understand what is happening or what matters.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready in the correct order.