Cost an arm and a leg: Meaning and Examples

Updated 2026-10-03 · Idiom Meanings editorial team

Quick answer: To say something costs an arm and a leg means it is extremely expensive. This common idiom describes a price so high that it feels like a significant sacrifice to pay. People use it to emphasize the shocking or burdensome nature of a specific cost.

What Does "cost an arm and a leg" Mean?

The idiom describes something that is very expensive. It indicates that the price is far beyond normal expectations or comfortable spending limits.

When you use this phrase, you are expressing shock or dismay at the high price. It suggests the item is valuable but perhaps not worth the extreme financial hit.

How People Use It Today

Modern speakers use this idiom in casual conversation about big purchases. It fits well when discussing cars, luxury vacations, or unexpected repair bills. It adds emotional weight to the complaint about the price.

Example Sentences

Buying that vintage watch will cost an arm and a leg.
The surgery to fix my knee will cost an arm and a leg.
Those designer shoes cost an arm and a leg.
Living in that city center costs an arm and a leg.
Renovating the kitchen really cost us an arm and a leg.
Tickets to the concert cost an arm and a leg.
Importing that rare plant will cost an arm and a leg.
Getting a degree from that university costs an arm and a leg.
The new graphics card for my PC costs an arm and a leg.
Insuring that classic car costs an arm and a leg.

Idioms With a Similar Meaning

cost a fortune: This is the most direct synonym. It is slightly more common and less dramatic than the arm and leg phrase.
pricey: This is a simple adjective. It states the item is expensive without the exaggerated imagery of losing body parts.
break the bank: Often used in negative contexts. It suggests a cost that would ruin your finances, whereas arm and leg just means high.
money burns a hole in your pocket: This implies you have a lot of money to spend. It focuses on the spender, not the item's price.
steep price: This is a more formal way to say expensive. It lacks the colloquial flair and humor of the original idiom.
not cheap: This is an understatement. It hints at high cost subtly, while cost an arm and a leg is loud and clear.

Opposite or Contrasting Phrases

a steal: This means you got something for a very low price. It is the direct opposite of paying too much.
pocket change: This refers to money that is so small it barely matters. It contrasts sharply with a major financial sacrifice.
reasonable price: This implies the cost is fair and expected. It lacks the shock value associated with the arm and leg idiom.
free: This means no money at all is required. It is the ultimate contrast to spending a massive amount of cash.

When to Use It and When Not To

Use this idiom in friendly conversations or informal writing. It works well when you want to humorously complain about a high price to a friend or family member.

Avoid it in formal business reports or academic papers. In serious contexts, use precise terms like expensive or high cost instead of this colorful metaphor.

Example Dialogues

I heard you bought that vintage motorcycle.

Yes, but restoring it cost an arm and a leg.

Why are you driving that old sedan?

The new hybrid model costs an arm and a leg.

Is the dental implant covered by insurance?

Only partially, so the rest will cost an arm and a leg.

We should go to that exclusive spa resort.

I love the idea, but the entrance fee costs an arm and a leg.

Did you get the custom suit tailored?

The fabric alone costs an arm and a leg.

More Example Sentences

Installing a home security system with cameras costs an arm and a leg.
Private tutoring for advanced calculus costs an arm and a leg.
Adopting a purebred puppy often costs an arm and a leg.
Building a treehouse in the backyard costs an arm and a leg.
Enrolling in that specialized coding bootcamp costs an arm and a leg.
Buying organic produce at that boutique market costs an arm and a leg.
Hiring a professional photographer for the wedding costs an arm and a leg.
Repairing the transmission on that truck costs an arm and a leg.

In Formal Writing, Say This Instead

incur substantial expenses: The renovation project will incur substantial expenses.
require a significant financial investment: Implementing this software requires a significant financial investment.
entail considerable expenditure: Expanding to international markets entails considerable expenditure.
necessitate a high outlay of capital: The new manufacturing plant necessitates a high outlay of capital.
involve steep monetary costs: Legal representation in federal court involves steep monetary costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cost an arm and a leg rude?

No, it is not rude. It is a common, playful exaggeration. People use it to express surprise at high prices without being offensive or insulting.

Can I use this for services?

Yes, you can use it for services like haircuts or repairs. It applies to any expense that feels unusually high, regardless of whether it is a product or service.

Why do we say arm and leg?

The phrase implies a high price through body parts. It suggests the cost is so high it feels like a physical sacrifice, though the exact origin is unclear.

Is there a British version?

Yes, this idiom is used in both American and British English. It is widely understood in all English-speaking countries as a standard way to describe high costs.