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Region: UK | Usage example: The renovation cost the earth, but it was worth it.

Cost the earth

Meaning

Be extremely expensive.

Usage

Used to scold big spenders.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Imagery equating cost with the entire planet.

British idiom from the 19th century criticizing extravagance.

Related Idioms

Cost a pretty penny

Be quite expensive.

Cost an arm and a leg

To be extremely expensive or feel painfully costly.

Down to earth

Practical and realistic.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.