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UKan arm and (a) leg
/ɐn ˈɑːm and ɐ lˈɛɡ/
/ɐn ˈɑːɹm ænd ɐ lˈɛɡ/an arm and (a) leg
[PHRASE]
What is the origin of the idiom "an arm and leg" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "an arm and leg" is uncertain, but it is believed to have become popular in the mid-20th century, possibly influenced by similar expressions that imply a significant cost or sacrifice. This phrase is used to describe something that is excessively expensive or requires a significant sacrifice in terms of cost or effort.
Examples
1. He loved collecting rare coins, but some of the coins he desired cost an arm and leg.
2. The wedding ceremony at the exclusive venue was lovely, but it came with a price tag of an arm and leg.
3. Wagner did experience an irregular heartbeat and temporarily lost feeling in an arm and leg but, miraculously, survived with no lasting damage.
4. As the technology gets cheaper and better, it won’t cost an arm and leg, but it certainly could make one!
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