How to use Idiom “Cost an arm and a leg” in English? Examples and tips from Grammar Experts
Idiom “Cost an arm and a leg”: This idiom means that something is very expensive. Imagine the idea of paying such a high price that it feels like you’re giving away an arm and a leg!
Prehistory of the Idiom
The origin of “cost an arm and a leg” is not definitively known, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in the United States. The idea behind it is that something extremely valuable or costly would metaphorically require you to sacrifice a lot, hence the phrase.
Short Advice
Use this idiom when you want to emphasize that something is very costly. It’s a vivid way to express the high price of an item or service.
Examples of Using “Cost an arm and a leg” in Sentences:
- “That new car costs an arm and a leg.” — The car is very expensive.
- “Going to college in the US can cost an arm and a leg.” — College education is very costly.
- “Her wedding dress cost an arm and a leg.” — The dress was very expensive.
- “The repairs on the house will cost an arm and a leg.” — The repairs will be very costly.
- “Eating at that fancy restaurant costs an arm and a leg.” — Dining there is very expensive.
- “Buying a home in this neighborhood will cost you an arm and a leg.” — Homes here are very pricey.
- “Traveling to Europe might cost an arm and a leg, but it’s worth it.” — Travel is expensive but valuable.
- “His medical bills cost him an arm and a leg.” — Medical expenses were very high.
- “Getting the latest smartphone will cost you an arm and a leg.” — The newest phones are very expensive.
- “That designer handbag costs an arm and a leg.” — The handbag is very pricey.
- “Installing solar panels on the roof might cost an arm and a leg initially.” — Initial costs are high.
- “His tuition fees cost an arm and a leg.” — Education fees are very high.
- “The concert tickets cost an arm and a leg, but the experience was amazing.” — Tickets were expensive but worth it.
- “Their honeymoon trip cost them an arm and a leg.” — The honeymoon was very costly.
- “Renovating the kitchen cost an arm and a leg.” — Renovations were very expensive.
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