Cost an Arm and a Leg: Meaning, Examples, Usage, Origin, and Quiz
Very expensive or costing too much.
Quick Meaning of “Cost an Arm and a Leg”
Cost an arm and a leg means something is very expensive or costs too much.
Example: This car costs an arm and a leg.
What Does “Cost an Arm and a Leg” Mean?
The idiom “cost an arm and a leg” is used when something is extremely expensive, overpriced, or costs much more than expected.
In simple terms, if something costs a lot of money, you can say it “costs an arm and a leg.”
Meaning in Real Usage
In real English usage, “cost an arm and a leg” often appears in conversations about cars, houses, travel, gadgets, education, medical bills, luxury products, and anything that feels too expensive.
Examples of “Cost an Arm and a Leg” in Sentences
This car costs an arm and a leg.
The hotel was beautiful, but it cost an arm and a leg.
Buying a house in the city can cost an arm and a leg, especially in popular neighborhoods.
Is This Idiom Formal or Informal?
“Cost an arm and a leg” is an informal and commonly used idiom. It works best in everyday conversation, casual writing, storytelling, and friendly discussions about prices.
Real-Life Scenario
Ryan wants to buy a new smartphone, but the latest model is much more expensive than he expected. He says, “This phone costs an arm and a leg,” meaning it is very expensive.
How to Use This Idiom Naturally
Use “cost an arm and a leg” when something is very expensive or costs more than expected.
It works especially well when talking about products, services, travel, rent, education, repairs, or major purchases.
Why Not Just Say “Very Expensive”?
Saying something “costs an arm and a leg” is more expressive than simply saying “very expensive.” It adds emotion and suggests that the cost feels extremely high or painful to pay.
Common Mistake with “Cost an Arm and a Leg”
Do not understand this idiom literally. It does not mean paying with body parts. Cost an arm and a leg means something costs a lot of money.
Similar Idioms to “Cost an Arm and a Leg”
These related idioms and expressions describe high prices, expensive things, or spending a lot of money.
Opposite Expressions
Opposite expressions include: “cheap”, “affordable”, “budget-friendly”, and “won’t break the bank”, which describe things that do not cost too much.
Origin of the Idiom “Cost an Arm and a Leg”
Did you know?
The exact origin of “cost an arm and a leg” is uncertain, but the phrase became popular as a dramatic way to describe something extremely costly.
The idiom uses exaggeration to suggest that the price is so high it feels like giving up something very valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions About “Cost an Arm and a Leg”
What does “cost an arm and a leg” mean?
It means something is very expensive or costs too much.
Is “cost an arm and a leg” formal or informal?
It is informal and works best in everyday conversation and casual writing.
Can I use “cost an arm and a leg” for services?
Yes. You can use it for products, services, repairs, travel, education, rent, or anything expensive.
Quick Practice: Test Your Understanding of “Cost an Arm and a Leg”
Test your understanding of the idiom “cost an arm and a leg” with these quick questions. These practice questions will help reinforce the meaning, usage, context, and common mistakes of this English idiom.
Question 1 - Meaning: What does “cost an arm and a leg” mean?
Question 2 - Sentence Usage: Which sentence uses “cost an arm and a leg” correctly?
Question 3 - Context: When can you use this idiom?
Question 4 - Similar Idiom: Which idiom has a similar meaning?
Question 5 - Common Mistake: What should you remember about this idiom?
Key Takeaways
- “Cost an arm and a leg” means very expensive.
- It is a beginner-friendly money idiom used in everyday English.
- It is best for casual conversations about high prices.
- It should not be understood literally.
Final Learning Note
“Cost an arm and a leg” is a practical idiom for talking about money and high prices. Learn it when you want to describe something that feels extremely expensive or overpriced.