❌ Don't Say
It's expensive
✅ Say This Instead
"It costs an arm and a leg"
Meaning
The price is very high.
اردو ترجمہ
یہ ہاتھ اور پیروں کے برابر قیمت کا ہے
"It costs an arm and a leg"
Say it out loud — click each circle as you go
Expression Frequency
Very Common
Formality
Informal
Authority Score
8/10
📖 Linguistic Context
It functions as a full predicate clause where 'costs' is the verb and 'an arm and a leg' is an idiomatic object expressing a high price.
🔄 Synonyms & Alternatives
📰 Real-World Usage Examples
"Our marketing budget this quarter costs an arm and a leg, but the ROI justifies it."
📌 Business context
"The tuition fees at that university cost an arm and a leg, prompting many students to seek scholarships."
📌 Academic context
"Wow, that dinner really cost an arm and a leg!"
📌 Daily conversation
⚠️ When NOT to Use
Avoid this phrase in formal reports, academic papers, or professional emails where informal idioms are inappropriate.
💡 Pro Tip
Use this idiom when you want to emphasize a very high price in informal conversation.
Daily Life Examples
-
That new phone costs an arm and a leg.
وہ نیا فون ہاتھ اور پیروں کے برابر قیمت کا ہے۔ -
The concert tickets cost an arm and a leg.
کانسرٹ کے ٹکٹ ہاتھ اور پیروں کے برابر قیمت کے ہیں۔ -
I wish the rent didn't cost an arm and a leg.
کاش کرایہ ہاتھ اور پیروں کے برابر نہ ہوتا۔
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is it correct to say It's expensive?
It's understandable but sounds plain; using an idiom adds color.
When should I use It costs an arm and a leg?
Use it in casual speech to stress that something is very pricey.
What does It costs an arm and a leg mean?
It means the price is extremely high.
Posted on June 21, 2026 · Practice English Daily · More Practice Sentences