An Arm and a Leg: Meaning and Origin
The phrase “an arm and a leg” is a common idiom used to describe something that is very expensive or costs a considerable amount of money. It implies that the price is so high it feels like a significant personal sacrifice – as if one were giving up a limb to afford it. While often used humorously, it conveys a strong sense of financial burden.
Origin of “An Arm and a Leg”
The precise origins of this idiom are somewhat murky, but most etymological research points to the mid 19th century as its likely birthplace. Early instances suggest a connection to the high cost of portraiture. In the 1800s, commissioning a full body portrait was an expensive undertaking, and artists might charge a significant sum, metaphorically equivalent to the value of a limb.
One of the earliest known printed references appears in Sharpe’s London Journal in 1849, referencing a substantial financial loss as having “cost his right arm.” This aligns with the idea of a painful, irrevocable loss mirroring the financial strain. Later, in 1875, the phrase “takes a leg” appeared in the Burlington Daily Haw Eye newspaper, a precursor to the fuller idiom. A more complete iteration, including “an arm and a leg,” was published in 1949 in the Long Beach Independent, where food editor Beulah Karney used it when advising homemakers on household expenses. This instance solidified the phrase’s association with high costs in everyday life.
Analysis: The Phrase in Literature
The power of “an arm and a leg” as an idiom lies in its vivid imagery and relatable message. It transcends literal meaning, resonating with audiences because it taps into the universal experience of financial anxiety and the sacrifices people make to achieve their desires. In literature, the phrase often functions as a subtle commentary on consumerism, social inequality, or the perceived value of material possessions.
Example #1: “An Arm and a Leg” by Phil Soar
It cost me an arm and a leg
When I left the prosthetics store
I went in there with an open mind
And I won’t go there no more.
This short poem directly addresses the literal and figurative cost of healthcare. The speaker’s experience with prosthetics highlights the exorbitant prices associated with medical technology. The irony lies in the fact that the very devices meant to restore function are financially inaccessible to many. The poem subverts the idiom’s typical use—instead of a luxury item, the expensive purchase is a necessity for basic quality of life.
Example #2: In the Enemy’s Arms by Marilyn Pappano
“Cate protested leaving her suitcase in the locked wire basket at the dive shop. She didn’t care if people stowed thousands of dollars’ worth of gear there on a daily basis. The items in that bag were all she had on the island with her. The stethoscope tucked into her medical bag in that suitcase was the best for picking up subtle heart sounds; it had been a med school graduation gift from her parents, and she wasn’t sure she could even hear anymore on lesser models. She didn’t wear much makeup, but what she wore would cost an arm and a leg to replace, and her favorite well‑broken‑in sneakers were in there, too.”
In this excerpt, the phrase is used to emphasize the personal value—and financial cost—of the protagonist’s possessions. While Dr. Cate Calloway is not materialistic, she recognizes the significant investment she has made in her essential tools and comforts. The phrase illustrates how even seemingly modest items can represent a substantial expense and a sense of security, especially when living in a remote or uncertain environment.
Example #3: The Power of Flies by Lydie Salvayre
I didn’t know that was him, nor that Cleopatra’s nose was so striking; I’ll be damned! The heart has reasons that the mind does not understand, I thought, as if it were a proverb. You never stop learning; that’s the beauty of life. A nail‑studded belt, good Lord, what is it for? To think better? The guy has the weirdest ideas, I swear; it creeps me out just thinking about it. As if there weren’t already enough misery in the world; well, to each his own. Look at the gorgeous ceiling! It’s magnificent; how far back does it date? That magnificent ceiling? It is unbelievably well preserved. I’d take it as my country home. Not me; I can tell you that right now, honestly. I prefer my little shack, I mean, just to heat the house would cost an arm and a leg.
Here, the idiom is employed to highlight the impracticality and extravagance of certain choices. The narrator muses on the cost of heating a grand, historically significant ceiling—an expense far beyond the means of someone content with a simple life. The phrase serves as a wry commentary on the prioritization of aesthetics over practicality, suggesting that some investments are simply not worth the financial burden.
Example #4: Mr. Body, the Head by John Rice
“He says our new school
cost an arm and a leg to build.
He had to fight for it tooth and nail.”
This excerpt utilizes the phrase to underscore the substantial effort and financial resources required to build a new school. The idiom is paired with the phrase “fight tooth and nail,” emphasizing the struggles and sacrifices involved in securing funding and completing the project. This demonstrates how “an arm and a leg” can represent a collective investment and a significant accomplishment for a community.
Beyond Literature: Nuances and Usage
While commonly used in everyday conversation and literature, an arm and a leg carries certain subtle nuances. It is often employed to express not only the high cost of something but also a sense of indignation or disbelief. The phrase can also be used ironicaly, especially when referring to relatively inexpensive items. For example, saying “this cup of coffee cost an arm and a leg!” is a humorous exaggeration intended to highlight the perceived high price of a small indulgence.
Furthermore, the idiom’s longevity suggests its enduring cultural relevance. Despite fluctuations in economic conditions, the core message of financial burden remains universally understandable. This makes an arm and a leg a powerful and versatile idiom for writers and speakers seeking to convey a sense of expense, sacrifice, or disbelief.
Example #1: “Do not count on Jack. His business has already cost him an arm and a leg.”
Example #2: “That prom dress had cost me an arm and a leg. Certainly, I will wear it again.”
Example #3: “Did you see Sam’s new phone and Bluetooth speakers? I bet they cost him an arm and a leg.”
Example #4: “These days organic food costs an arm and a leg, but the cost of gadgets is declining.”
Example #5: “Gordon is a very rich man, and he can afford everything, even if it costs an arm and a leg.”