THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Cost an Arm and a Leg
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Very expensive; costing a lot of money.
Usage note: keep in mind
The usual dictionary form is cost an arm and a leg. Add -s with a singular present-tense subject: the ticket costs. In the past, cost remains cost. The phrase is informal exaggeration for a very high price.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- That designer handbag costs an arm and a leg, but she bought it anyway.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?
Very expensive; costing a lot of money.
Show the answer
Cost an Arm and a Leg — Very expensive; costing a lot of money.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Cost an Arm and a Leg” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Very expensive; costing a lot of money.
Compare: That designer handbag costs an arm and a leg, but she bought it anyway.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- Repairs to the old car cost an arm and a leg last month.
- That central-city apartment costs an arm and a leg to rent.
Check your understanding
Choose the natural sentence: 'The new laptop cost an arm and a leg yesterday' or 'costed an arm and a leg yesterday.'
Check your answer
Cost is correct here. For an item having a price, the normal past tense of cost is cost.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where cost an arm and a leg fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.