0291 Cost an arm and a leg

Explanation

An idiom meaning something is extremely expensive.

Origin

The exact origin is uncertain, but several theories exist.
One popular theory dates back to post-World War eras, suggesting soldiers who lost limbs paid a high price (an arm and/or a leg) for their service or for the war effort.
Another theory relates to portrait painting, where commissioning a portrait that included limbs was significantly more expensive than just a bust.
Regardless of the specific origin, the phrase uses the high value we place on our limbs to represent a very high monetary cost. It implies paying a price so high it feels like a physical sacrifice.
It became common in the mid-20th century.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Cost a bomb (UK/Aus)
Cost a packet (UK)
Cost a fortune
Ridiculous (referring to the price)
Highway robbery (implies the price is unfairly high)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

Fucking expensive
Cost a shitload

Milder:

Very expensive
Quite costly
Not cheap
On the pricey side

Situational Appropriateness

Informal to semi-formal.
Widely understood but might be considered slightly clichéd or too informal for very formal financial discussions or reports, where terms like expensive, costly, or exorbitant would be preferred.

Misunderstanding Warnings

Highly unlikely to be taken literally due to its common idiomatic usage and absurd literal meaning.

Examples

Getting that car repaired cost an arm and a leg.
I'd love to buy that house, but it probably costs an arm and a leg.
Tickets for the concert cost an arm and a leg.

Dialogue

Ava: I love your new camera! It looks very professional.

Liam: Thanks! It should do, it cost an arm and a leg.

Ava: Oh, I bet. High-end cameras are never cheap. Was it worth it?

Liam: I think so! The picture quality is amazing.

Response Patterns

Wow, really? That sounds expensive!
I bet! Things are so pricey these days.
How much was it exactly? (If appropriate)
Yikes! / Ouch! (Expressing sympathy/shock at the cost)

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone says something cost an arm and a leg:

People often express shock or sympathy (That's crazy!, Oof, sorry to hear that).
They might inquire indirectly about the price (Was it worth it?) or sometimes directly (How much did it set you back?).
They might share their own experiences with high costs.

After receiving a response:

The person might elaborate on the expense or justify the purchase.

Conversation Starter

No.
Usually used to comment on the price of something specific within a conversation.

Intonation

Emphasis typically falls on COST an ARM and a LEG.
Often said with a tone of complaint, resignation, or surprise at the high price.

Generation Differences

Very common and understood across all generations.

Regional Variations

Widely used and understood in all major English-speaking regions.

Dying of hunger/thirst

🎲 Waiting forever

[0291] Cost an arm and a leg