cost an arm and a leg

Are you using the idiom cost an arm and a leg but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the cost an arm and a leg idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "cost an arm and a leg"

Meaning

The phrase "cost an arm and a leg" means that the price of something is exorbitantly expensive. It is used to express the idea that the cost of something is so high that it would be as if it cost you an arm and a leg. It is also used to express a situation in which someone has to pay an excessively large amount for something.

Etymology

The expression has its roots in the ancient practice of charging a ransom for the release of prisoners of war. This was a common practice in the Middle Ages and it was often so expensive that it was said to cost "an arm and a leg". The phrase eventually became colloquial and took on a more figurative meaning.

Usage

The phrase "cost an arm and a leg" is usually used as a figure of speech to express the idea that something is extremely expensive. It is often used casually in conversation to make a point about the cost of something but is not taken literally. It can also be used as a warning to someone about the cost of something.

Example Sentences

• I wanted to buy a new car, but it ended up costing me an arm and a leg!
• This new laptop was supposed to be a bargain, but it ended up costing an arm and a leg!
• If you're not careful, this vacation can end up costing you an arm and a leg!
• The rent here is so high, it feels like it's costing us an arm and a leg!

From One Language to Another: Idioms in Translation

Translating idioms from one language to another can be a tricky task, as the cultural context behind an idiom can be difficult to capture. For example, the French phrase "avoir le cafard" translates to "to have the cockroach," which means to feel down or depressed. Similarly, the Chinese idiom "????" (j?ng d? zh? w?) translates to "frog at the bottom of a well," which refers to someone with a narrow view of the world.