Pronunciation: [kˈɒstɪŋ ˈɑːm and lˈɛɡ] (IPA) 
The phrase "costing arm and leg" means something is very expensive. The spelling of this phrase is pretty straightforward, but the pronunciation can be a bit tricky. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /ˈkɒstɪŋ ɑːm ən ˈlɛɡ/. The stress falls on the first syllable of "costing" and the second syllable of "leg." The "r" in "costing" is not pronounced, and the "a" in "arm" is a long vowel sound.
The phrase "costing an arm and a leg" is an idiomatic expression used to emphasize that something is extremely expensive or comes at a significantly high price. It originated from a literary device known as hyperbole, which involves exaggerated statements and claims. This figurative phrase creates a vivid image suggesting that the cost of the mentioned item or experience is so exorbitant that it equates to the loss of one's limbs.
The expression has become a part of everyday language, emphasizing the notion of significant sacrifice or deprivation required to obtain or participate in something. It often signifies the disproportionate amount one might have to pay in relation to the perceived value or necessity of the item or service in question. This phrase typically refers to financial expense but can also be used metaphorically to convey the idea of a tremendous sacrifice or effort required.
For instance, if someone says, "The luxury vacation package was beautiful but cost me an arm and a leg," it means that the expenses incurred to enjoy the vacation were extremely high. Similarly, if a person exclaims, "Those designer shoes are fantastic, but they cost an arm and a leg," it implies that the shoes are notably pricey. Overall, the expression "costing an arm and a leg" serves as a colorful way to describe the excessive cost of something, highlighting the severity of the expense.
