1064 Pay an arm and a leg - English Idioms

Explanation

To pay a very large amount of money for something; to pay an exorbitant price. (Variant of cost an arm and a leg).

Origin

This idiom emerged after World War II, though similar phrases existed earlier.
It likely relates to the high 'price' soldiers paid in war, losing limbs (arms and legs).
The metaphor transfers this idea of extreme sacrifice or cost to monetary expense, emphasizing how excessively high the price feels.
The version cost an arm and a leg is slightly more common than pay an arm and a leg, but both are used frequently.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Shell out big bucks.
Fork over a wad. (A wad of cash)
Drop some serious coin.
It cost stacks/racks. (Slang for large amounts of money)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

Pay a fucking fortune.
Cost a shitload.

Milder Exaggeration:

It wasn't cheap.
It cost quite a bit.

Situational Appropriateness

Informal to semi-formal. It's an exaggeration, so while common in everyday speech, it might be avoided in very formal financial reports where precise language is needed.

Misunderstanding Warnings

The literal meaning is gruesome and impossible, so it's nearly always understood metaphorically. Reinforce that it's about high *monetary* cost.

Examples

I'd love to buy that house, but I'd have to pay an arm and a leg for it.
We paid an arm and a leg for these concert tickets, but it was worth it!
Don't buy coffee at the airport; you'll pay an arm and a leg.

Dialogue

Alex: I finally got my car repaired after the accident.

Ben: Oh good! Was it expensive?

Alex: Expensive? I had to pay an arm and a leg! The parts alone were astronomical.

Ben: Ouch! Car repairs can be brutal.

Response Patterns

Wow, really? How much was it?
I know, things are so expensive these days!
Was it worth it?
You're telling me! I paid a fortune for mine too.
That sounds excessive.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After hearing someone paid an arm and a leg:

People often ask for the actual price out of curiosity or shock.
They might commiserate about high costs or ask if the item/service was worth the price.

Conversation Starter

No. Describes the cost of something already discussed or known.

Intonation

Strong emphasis on pay, arm, and leg. PAY an ARM and a LEG.
Tone usually expresses exaggeration, complaint about high prices, or sometimes justification for a large expense.

Generation Differences

Widely understood and used by all generations.

Regional Variations

Common across all major English-speaking regions. Variants like cost a bomb or cost the earth are more British/Commonwealth.

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[1064] Pay an arm and a leg