An arm and a leg

Definitions

• extremely expensive
  Describing something as costing a significant amount of money or being very expensive.

• sacrifice a lot
  Referring to giving up a large amount or making a significant sacrifice for something.

• physical limbs
  Literally referring to one's arms and legs, often in the context of injury or amputation.

Examples of An arm and a leg

• The new software program is so expensive that I could buy a car for the same price. It's almost like they're asking for an arm and a leg!

  This idiom means that something is extremely expensive, so much so that it seems like a significant portion of one's body is being demanded as payment. The phrase "an arm and a leg" is used figuratively to describe a high price or cost.

• The hospital charged me a fortune for the medical procedure, but at least I didn't have to sell any organs to pay for it!

  This example illustrates how the idiom can be used in a humorous or exaggerated way to emphasize the high cost of something. It's a playful way to acknowledge that the price was exorbitant without actually implying that one's limbs were at risk of being taken as payment.

• I've been working on this project for weeks, and I still have a lot left to do. It's been like pulling teeth to get anything done!

  This idiom is used to describe a difficult or tedious task that seems almost impossible to complete. The phrase "pulling teeth" is used figuratively to describe something that is extremely challenging or time-consuming.

• The salesperson tried to convince me to buy the product, but I wasn't interested. She was like a broken record, repeating the same pitch over and over again.

  This idiom is used to describe something that is repetitive or monotonous. The phrase "a broken record" is used figuratively to describe something that seems to be stuck in a loop, repeating the same thing over and over again.

• The team worked together seamlessly, like a well-oiled machine.

  This idiom is used to describe something that is working efficiently and effectively. The phrase "a well-oiled machine" is used figuratively to describe a group of people or a system that is functioning smoothly and without any issues or problems.

Conclusion

The idiom "an arm and a leg" is commonly used to describe something as being very expensive or costing a significant amount of money. It can also be used to convey the idea of making a big sacrifice or giving up a lot for something. Lastly, it can also be used literally to refer to one's physical limbs.

Origin of "An arm and a leg"

The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. One theory suggests that it may have originated from the high cost of prosthetic limbs during and after World War I, with soldiers returning from war having to pay a significant amount for artificial limbs.

Another theory suggests that it may have originated from the practice of portrait artists charging more for paintings that included the subject's arms and legs, as they were more difficult to paint. Over time, the phrase became more commonly used to describe any expensive item or sacrifice.

Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom "an arm and a leg" has become a widely recognized and commonly used phrase in the English language, often used in a figurative sense to convey the idea of something being very costly or requiring a significant sacrifice. It is also a good example of how idioms can evolve and change over time, with their original meaning often becoming lost or forgotten.