Pay an Arm and a Leg
Meaning
“Pay an arm and a leg” means to pay an extremely high price for something. The phrase uses the exaggerated image of giving up valuable body parts to emphasize just how expensive something is.
It is a colorful way of complaining about a price that seems far beyond what something is worth.
Usage
The expression is usually used when talking about expensive purchases, services, travel, repairs, or other costs.
It can be serious when someone is genuinely struggling with an expense, but it is also frequently used humorously or sarcastically.
The common construction is “pay an arm and a leg for something.”
Example Sentences
- We paid an arm and a leg for the hotel room during the holiday season.
- I wanted the latest phone, but I wasn’t willing to pay an arm and a leg for it.
- They paid an arm and a leg to repair the old car.
- You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to enjoy a good meal.
- She paid an arm and a leg for the designer handbag.