an arm and a leg

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word an arm and a leg. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word an arm and a leg, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say an arm and a leg in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word an arm and a leg you have here. The definition of the word an arm and a leg will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofan arm and a leg, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.

English

Pronunciation

  • Audio (AU)(file)

Noun

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

References

Wikious
Boobota
Sagapedia