cost a bomb

cost a bomb is an idiom used by many writers. When idioms are used in the right place, they open the doors of effective communication and increase your descriptive power. In this way, you will be better understood. The meaning of the expression cost a bomb is also remarkable in this respect.

Meaning of "cost a bomb"

Meaning

The phrase 'cost a bomb' is an idiomatic expression meaning something is very expensive. It is often used to express surprise at how costly something has become. Additionally, it can also be used to indicate that an item or service is too costly to consider.

Etymology

The origin of the phrase 'cost a bomb' is unclear but it is believed to have originated in the 1940s. This was at a time when the media was reporting about the horrific destruction inflicted by the bombs being dropped during World War II. Consequently, people began using bomb metaphors to express the idea of something being excessively or disproportionately expensive. It is thought that this phrase was born out of these discussions.

Usage

As previously mentioned, the phrase 'cost a bomb' is used to express surprise at the extreme expense of an item or service. It was originally used to describe items that were expensive due to their materials or labor costs. However, it has come to also be used to describe items whose price is not necessarily based in reality. For example, if an item was sold for a much higher price than its market value, it could be described with this phrase. Additionally, it can also be used to describe the cost of a mistake or the cost that was paid for a benefit.

Example Sentences

• I wanted to buy a new car, but they were all costing a bomb!
• I had to pay a bomb for the tickets to the game last night.
• It's a nice necklace, but it would cost a bomb!
• That mistake cost a bomb in legal fees.

The power of idioms transcends languages!

"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.