Idiom
cost an arm and a leg
Meanings
To be extremely expensive; to cost far more than expected or affordable.
Definition
To cost an arm and a leg means to be extremely expensive.
If something costs an arm and a leg, it is so expensive that it feels like an unreasonable sacrifice. People use this idiom to complain about high prices or warn others that something is not affordable. It is usually used informally 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.
- I wanted to buy the new phone, but it cost an arm and a leg.
- Eating out every night can cost an arm and a leg.
- Their wedding venue cost an arm and a leg.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use it for non-money “costs” (like time or effort), but it mainly refers to something being very expensive in price.
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 updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky 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 Used to say something is decided or finished only at the last possible moment.
- lost the plot To become confused or behave in a way that no longer makes sense.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready for action.