arm and a leg

noun

: an exorbitant price

Examples of arm and a leg in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But Bryan’s policy would, if executed properly, help make sure those who get tickets won’t pay an arm and a leg for them. Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2023 Of course, an electrified DB6 will cost you and arm and a leg. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2021 As per usual, Amazon is stocked with fab options that don't cost an arm and a leg. Jasmine Washington, Seventeen, 25 Jan. 2023 Losing weight shouldn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Dallas News, 22 Dec. 2022 Pupper loves pets, uses only the best ingredients, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg—even your dog knows this is the smarter choice! Arthur Williams, Discover Magazine, 22 Oct. 2022 Plenty of first-time actors would give an arm and a leg (and perhaps a few fingers) to work with Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell. Hannah Strong, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2022 But on occasion, celebs switch lanes and sport jewelry that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 25 Nov. 2022 Best for: Resort riders looking to get a foot in the backcountry door without spending an arm and a leg, and freestylers who want a backcountry booter blaster. Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 18 Oct. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'arm and a leg.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of arm and a leg was in 1924

Dictionary Entries Near arm and a leg

Cite this Entry

“Arm and a leg.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arm%20and%20a%20leg. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!