Costs an arm and a leg

Meaning

Very expensive.

Usage

Used to describe high prices or fees.

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.

Possibly refers to the value of limbs in portrait painting commissions.

Became common in American speech during the mid-20th century.