When you use the English idiom to describe something as costing an arm and a leg, it means that it is really expensive.
Where did this idiom come from??
There are a lot of different stories about where this idiom originated.
1. Painters charged by how many limbs (arms and legs) instead of by people in the painting.
2. Painters charged by sections of the body. The cheapest being just the head and shoulders, charging extra for your top half (including the arms), and more expensive again for your lower half (legs).
3. Referencing the fact that American soldiers were losing their arms and legs for the war (WW1&WW2). There is also debate that this comes from the American Civil War, though, instead of the World Wars.
It seems the actual original use of this idiom has been lost to history.
How to use this idiom in daily conversation??
1. Hospital visits cost an arm and a leg in America.
2. I found my dream home, but it costs an arm and a leg.
3. You should buy that dress!! It's not like it costs an arm and a leg or anything!! It's on sale!!
4. I can't afford to go to university because it costs an arm and a leg.
5. I know my products costs an arm and a leg, but they are really worth it!!
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If you're interested in learning more idioms and how to use them, take a look at my idiom lesson!! We will go over several different idioms, their meanings, and how to use them.
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Have a great day!!
Elaina.C :)
**If you have any questions about this blog's vocabulary or phrases, please comment or send me a message and I'll answer as soon as I can :)