How Do You Spell COST AN ARM AND A LEG?

Pronunciation: [kˈɒst ɐn ˈɑːm and ɐ lˈɛɡ] (IPA)

The phrase "cost an arm and a leg" is commonly used to describe something that is very expensive. The spelling of the word "cost" is /kɒst/ in IPA phonetic transcription, and the phrase's unique expression features an idiom that implies an extreme financial burden. The phrase is a figurative expression rather than a literal one, and it communicates the idea of an excessive financial cost. The origin of the phrase is unclear, but its popularity over the years demonstrates its usefulness in describing a hefty price.

COST AN ARM AND A LEG Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "cost an arm and a leg" is an idiomatic expression used to describe something as being excessively expensive. It is typically used when referring to the high cost of a particular item, service, or experience that demands a substantial amount of money to acquire or engage in. This expression symbolically refers to the notion of paying a dear price, as losing an arm or a leg would be considered a great sacrifice.

   The phrase dates back to the mid-20th century and has become a common colloquialism in English language. By evoking the image of losing one's limb, it vividly expresses the idea that the cost of something is exorbitantly high. The phrase is usually used in informal conversations among friends as a means to emphasize the financial burden of a purchase or expense.

   For instance, if someone were to say, "Buying a luxury car can cost an arm and a leg," it implies that acquiring such a vehicle would require a significant amount of money, possibly beyond one's financial means. Similarly, if a person remarks, "Going on an extravagant vacation can really cost an arm and a leg," it suggests that the expenses associated with a lavish trip are extremely high.

   In summary, "cost an arm and a leg" is an idiomatic expression used to convey the notion of something being excessively expensive, capturing the idea of sacrificing a valuable limb to emphasize the exorbitant price.

Common Misspellings for COST AN ARM AND A LEG

• xost an arm and a leg
• vost an arm and a leg
• fost an arm and a leg
• dost an arm and a leg
• cist an arm and a leg
• ckst an arm and a leg
• clst an arm and a leg
• cpst an arm and a leg
• c0st an arm and a leg
• c9st an arm and a leg
• coat an arm and a leg
• cozt an arm and a leg
• coxt an arm and a leg
• codt an arm and a leg
• coet an arm and a leg
• cowt an arm and a leg
• cosr an arm and a leg
• cosf an arm and a leg
• cosg an arm and a leg
• cosy an arm and a leg

Idioms with the word COST AN ARM AND A LEG

• cost an arm and a leg/a small fortune The idiom "cost an arm and a leg/a small fortune" means that something is very expensive, to the point of being unaffordable or excessively costly.
• cost an arm and a leg The idiom "cost an arm and a leg" means that something is very expensive or comes at a high price.
• cost a bomb/the earth/a packet, at cost an arm and a leg/a small fortune This idiom is used to indicate that something is extremely expensive or costs a significant amount of money. It implies that the price of the item is very high, often beyond what most people would consider reasonable or affordable.