Idiom idiom
costs an arm and a leg
Meaning
Very expensive
Examples
“That new designer watch costs an arm and a leg.”
“I would love to go on a luxury cruise, but the ticket costs an arm and a leg.”
“While the historic mansion is beautiful, maintaining such an old property costs an arm and a leg every single year.”
Origin
folk etymology
folk etymology
Mid-20th-century American, appearing after WWII; likely a blend of older phrases like 'I'd give my right arm' (the story about portrait painters charging extra for limbs is folklore).
Last updated June 7, 2026