How Do You Spell ARM AND A LEG?

Pronunciation: [ˈɑːm and ɐ lˈɛɡ] (IPA)

The phrase "arm and a leg" is commonly used to describe something that is extremely expensive or costly. Its spelling is not intuitive, as the words "arm" and "leg" are spelled differently than their usual pronunciation. This phrase is derived from an old idiom that referred to the high cost of portraits, where the artist would charge extra for painting the limbs. The phonetic transcription of "arm and a leg" is /ɑːm/ and /ənd/ and /ə/ and /lɛg/.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Idioms
Plural
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ARM AND A LEG Meaning and Definition

  1. "Arm and a leg" is an idiomatic expression frequently used in colloquial English to describe something that is excessively expensive or costly. The phrase implies that the price being asked for or paid is so high that it would feel as if one is giving away one of their limbs, namely an arm and a leg, to acquire it. In other words, it suggests that whatever is being referred to carries an exorbitantly high price tag.

    This expression is often used to convey a sense of shock, disbelief, or exaggeration regarding the cost of something. It emphasizes the idea that the price being demanded is beyond what one would consider reasonable or affordable. It can be used in various contexts, such as while discussing the cost of a particular product, service, or even an experience.

    Originating in the mid-20th century, the precise origin of the phrase remains unclear. However, it is believed to have its roots in popular culture, possibly originating from the world of entertainment. While its exact etymology is unknown, the vivid imagery of sacrificing one's limbs in exchange for something serves to illustrate the extreme expense being discussed.

    Overall, "arm and a leg" is a figurative expression used to emphasize the exorbitant cost of something, highlighting the notion of an extremely high price that feels as if one is giving away a vital part of their anatomy for its acquisition.

Common Misspellings for ARM AND A LEG

  • zrm and a leg
  • srm and a leg
  • wrm and a leg
  • qrm and a leg
  • aem and a leg
  • adm and a leg
  • afm and a leg
  • atm and a leg
  • a5m and a leg
  • a4m and a leg
  • arn and a leg
  • ark and a leg
  • arj and a leg
  • arm znd a leg
  • arm snd a leg
  • arm wnd a leg
  • arm qnd a leg
  • arm abd a leg
  • arm amd a leg
  • arm ajd a leg

Idioms with the word ARM AND A LEG

  • an arm and a leg The idiom "an arm and a leg" is used to describe something that is very expensive or costs a significant amount of money. It implies that the price being paid for something is extremely high, often beyond what is reasonable or expected.
  • pay an arm and a leg The idiom "pay an arm and a leg" means to pay a very high price or cost for something, often implying that the price is excessively expensive or unreasonable.
  • cost an arm and a leg The idiom "cost an arm and a leg" refers to something that is extremely expensive or involves a significant sacrifice or high price. It implies that the cost or price being asked is excessively high and requires the person to give up something valuable or significant.
  • cost (sb) an arm and a leg The idiom "cost (sb) an arm and a leg" means that something is extremely expensive or costs a large amount of money. It is used to emphasize that the price of something is very high and can be seen as excessive or unreasonable.
  • cost/pay an arm and a leg The idiom "cost/pay an arm and a leg" means that something is very expensive or costs a great deal, often in a figurative sense. It implies that the price or expense is extremely high, to the point of being unreasonable or exorbitant.
  • give an arm and a leg (for something) The idiom "give an arm and a leg (for something)" means to be willing to sacrifice a significant or extreme amount, often referring to a high monetary price or a great personal effort, for the desired thing or outcome. It implies willingness to give up something very valuable or make a substantial sacrifice in order to obtain or achieve something desired.
  • give an arm and a leg for The idiom "give an arm and a leg for" means to be willing to give up something of great value, often used to emphasize how much someone desires or is willing to sacrifice for something or someone.
  • cost a bomb/the earth/a packet, at cost an arm and a leg/a small fortune The idiom "cost a bomb/the earth/a packet, at cost an arm and a leg/a small fortune" is used to describe something that is very expensive or costs a lot of money. It implies that the item or service is far beyond what one would typically expect to pay.
  • arm and a leg If something costs an arm and a leg, it is extremely expensive or costly.
  • cost an arm and a leg/a small fortune The idiom "cost an arm and a leg/a small fortune" means that something is very expensive, often to the point of being unaffordable or excessively costly.

Plural form of ARM AND A LEG is ARM AND A LEGS