an arm and a leg

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English

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Pronunciation

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Noun

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an arm and a leg (plural arms and legs)

  1. (idiomatic, hyperbolic) Usually used after the verb cost, but also often charge, pay, and spend: a very high price for an item or service; an exorbitant price
    Synonym: pretty penny (cost a pretty penny)
    • 1954, Commentary, volume 18, American Jewish Committee, page 448:
      That Polack costs me an arm and a leg, he thought.
    • 1960 March 29, “Slim waists prompted new sportswear line”, in The New York Times, page 44:
      Bangle bracelets in fourteen-karat gold that do not cost an arm and a leg are always in demand.
    • 2008, Jackie Collins, Hollywood Wives, Pan Macmillan, →ISBN, page 417:
      Her house was fabulous, her tits perfection – besides – the Beverly Hills Hotel was costing him an arm and a leg.

Translations

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References

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