What does “It cost an arm and a leg” mean?
"It cost an arm and a leg" means that something was very expensive.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I wanted to buy that designer handbag, but it cost an arm and a leg.
Example
The tickets to the concert were so expensive, they cost an arm and a leg.
Example
I couldn't believe how much the new car cost, it was definitely an arm and a leg
Is “It cost an arm and a leg” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“It cost an arm and a leg” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “It cost an arm and a leg” effectively in context?
You can use "It cost an arm and a leg" to express that something was very expensive. It emphasizes the idea of paying a high price for something. For example, if a friend asks you about the price of a luxury item, you might say, 'I wanted to buy that designer handbag, but it cost an arm and a leg.'
- 1Shopping
The tickets to the concert were so expensive, they cost an arm and a leg.
- 2Car Buying
I couldn't believe how much the new car cost, it was definitely an arm and a leg.
- 3Describing Expensive Items
The painting was beautiful, but it cost an arm and a leg.
Similar phrases to “It cost an arm and a leg”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “It cost an arm and a leg” come from?
The origin of the phrase "It cost an arm and a leg" is unknown.
Is “It cost an arm and a leg” common in everyday conversation?
"It cost an arm and a leg" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where something is very expensive.
What tone does “It cost an arm and a leg” have?
"It cost an arm and a leg" conveys a tone of exaggeration and emphasis. It's often used in a casual or informal context to express surprise or frustration about the high cost of something.
Can “It cost an arm and a leg” be used in informal and formal settings?
"It cost an arm and a leg" is more commonly used in informal settings. While it can be used in formal situations, it may be more appropriate to use more precise language to describe the cost of something.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The tickets to the concert cost an arm and a leg.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That car? It cost an arm and a leg!' to imply its high price.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- be pricey
- be costly
- be exorbitant
- be steep
- be dear
Antonyms
- be affordable
- be inexpensive
- be cheap
- be reasonable
