BBC Learning English
The English We Speak
23 October 2012
Cost an arm and a leg
(Rob and Vera go shopping)
Rob: Ah Vera, it's great that you've come with me during our lunch break to do
some shopping. I need to buy a suit to go to a wedding and I have to look
very smart.
Vera: And I will make sure of that, Rob. Everybody says I have good taste. I've
always chosen my husband's and my son's pyjamas and they look good
while they sleep! Rob, I love that grey suit in the window!
Rob: Wow! It looks really smart, actually. It will make me look great!
Vera: Exactly! Let's go into the shop, you must try it!
Salesman: The colour suits you, Sir! I will see if I can find a smaller size so that it fits
you perfectly.
Vera: You see, Rob& This salesman knows what he is talking about. He thinks it
looks good on you. But he is right - a size smaller would fit better. And
everybody in the wedding will think you are a powerful man.
Rob: Yes. Wait Vera, this suit is not for me. I'm reading this label and it says it
costs an arm and a leg!
Vera: An arm and a leg!? This is terrible, Rob! It's barbaric! This is the 21st
century, not the Middle Ages! And the salesman seems quite civilised. He
sounded like a nice man who wouldn't demand your limbs!
Rob: Don't worry, Vera. I will keep all of my limbs. In English, when we say
something costs an arm and a leg we mean that it is very expensive!
Vera: So, it is something people say but it doesn't actually involve arms and legs.
That's a relief!
Rob: Let's hear some examples while I get back into my old clothes.
Examples
"I'd like to travel all over Europe, but the air fare might cost me an arm and a leg."
"You have to pay a lot of money to give your children a good education nowadays! A
place in a top university costs an arm and a leg."
The English We Speak © British Broadcasting Corporation 2012
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Rob: So, what expression do you use when you want to say that something is
very, very expensive?
Vera: You might say it costs an arm and a leg.
Rob: Yes. Now let's leave this expensive suit here and get out of the shop before
that posh-sounding salesman comes back.
Vera: Good idea. He will look down on us, Rob. But I would& pay a nail and an
elbow for that scarf there& and that red dress over there, it might cost a
foot and a knee& Oh, look at that handbag! It's a designer one and must
cost an ear and a hand&
Rob: What are you talking about, Vera!? We only say "an arm and a leg"! Now,
quickly, let's get out of here!
Vera: OK, OK. Bye&
Rob: Bye.
The English We Speak © British Broadcasting Corporation 2012
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bbclearningenglish.com