Have you ever heard the phrase "cost an arm and a leg"? This is a common expression used to describe something that is very expensive. The phrase is often used when someone is talking about the cost of something that they feel is too high. In this article, we will explore the origin of the phrase and how it is used today.
Origin of the Phrase
The origin of the phrase "cost an arm and a leg" is not entirely clear. Some believe that it dates back to the 18th century, where artists would charge more for a portrait if they included the subject's arms and legs. Others believe that it comes from the practice of charging soldiers for amputations during the American Civil War. Whatever the origin, the phrase has been in use since the early 20th century.
How the Phrase is Used Today
Today, the phrase "cost an arm and a leg" is used to describe something that is very expensive. It is often used when someone is talking about the cost of a product or service that they feel is too high. For example, if someone is looking to buy a new car and they find one that they like, but it is very expensive, they might say "That car costs an arm and a leg!"
Alternative Phrases
There are many alternative phrases that can be used to describe something that is very expensive. Some of these include "cost a fortune," "break the bank," and "burn a hole in your pocket." These phrases all describe the same thing – something that is too expensive for the person who is buying it.
Why We Use These Phrases
We use these phrases because they help us to express our frustration at the cost of something that we feel is too expensive. They also help us to bond with others who are sharing the same experience. When someone says "That car costs an arm and a leg!" and everyone else in the conversation agrees, it creates a sense of camaraderie and shared experience.
Conclusion
Overall, the phrase "cost an arm and a leg" is a common expression that is used to describe something that is very expensive. While the origin of the phrase is not entirely clear, it has been in use for over a century. Today, we use this phrase and others like it to express our frustration at the cost of things that we feel are too expensive.