What Does Cost an Arm and a Leg Mean? The Real Story!

The Origin of the Phrase ‘Cost an Arm and a Leg’

There are different theories about the origin of the phrase ‘cost an arm and a leg’. Here are the most popular ones:

• Photography Theory: The theory suggests that ‘cost an arm and a leg’ originates from the practice of portrait photography back in the 19th century. In those days, photographers charged extra for people who wanted to have their arms and legs included in the photo, as it required additional lighting and more work. Therefore, it was said that having one’s arms and legs included in a photo would cost ‘an arm and a leg’.
• War Theory: Another theory suggests that the phrase ‘cost an arm and a leg’ has its roots in war. During World War I and II, soldiers who lost limbs in battle often had to pay hefty sums of money for artificial limbs. Hence, it was said that losing an arm or a leg could figuratively cost ‘an arm and a leg’.
• Painting Theory: According to this theory, the phrase originated in the world of painting. During the Renaissance era, artists charged more money for portraits that included arms and legs. As a result, people started using the phrase ‘cost an arm and a leg’ to refer to something that was unnecessarily expensive.

The True Meaning of the Phrase

Now that we’ve looked at the origin of the phrase, let’s examine its actual meaning. When people use the phrase ‘cost an arm and a leg’, they are usually referring to something that is very expensive.

However, it’s important to note that the phrase is often misused. For example, if someone says that a five-dollar latte ‘costs an arm and a leg’, they are using the phrase incorrectly. The true meaning of the phrase ‘cost an arm and a leg’ refers to a situation where someone has to pay an exorbitant sum of money for something that is extremely important or necessary.

The Evolution of the Phrase

As with most phrases, the meaning of ‘cost an arm and a leg’ has evolved over time. In the past, the phrase was only used to describe expenses related to crucial things like medical procedures or home repairs. However, in recent years, the phrase has become more colloquial and is now used to describe everyday expenses that may seem unnecessary or excessive.

Example:

‘I can’t believe we paid $500 for those concert tickets – it feels like they cost an arm and a leg.’

The Impact of the Phrase on Society

The phrase ‘cost an arm and a leg’ has had a significant impact on the way people perceive and talk about money. The phrase has become ingrained in our culture and is now part of everyday language. When people use the phrase, they are often trying to convey a sense of shock or surprise at how expensive something is.

However, the phrase also perpetuates the idea that important things in life – like healthcare or a home – are so expensive that they are out of reach for most people. This reinforces the notion that certain aspects of life are only attainable for the wealthy, which can lead to feelings of frustration and helplessness among those who are struggling to make ends meet.

The Alternatives to the Phrase ‘Cost an Arm and a Leg’

If you’re someone who wants to avoid using the phrase ‘cost an arm and a leg’, there are plenty of alternatives that you can use instead. Here are a few examples:

• ‘It’s very expensive.’
• ‘It’s quite pricey.’
• ‘It costs a fortune.’
• ‘It’s not cheap.’

In Conclusion

So, there you have it – the true story behind the phrase ‘cost an arm and a leg’. The phrase is now part of our everyday language and has evolved to take on a broader meaning than its original use. While the phrase can be useful in conveying a sense of shock or surprise, it’s important to use it correctly and to be mindful of the impact it can have on the way we think about money.

List of Common Questions and Answers About the Phrase:

• What does the phrase ‘cost an arm and a leg’ mean? – The phrase refers to something that is very expensive and often used to describe expenses that are crucial, like medical procedures or home repairs.
• Where did the phrase ‘cost an arm and a leg’ come from? – The origin of the phrase is unclear, but it’s believed to have originated in the world of painting in the Renaissance era.
• Is the phrase ‘cost an arm and a leg’ still relevant today? – Yes, the phrase is still widely used today and has evolved to take on a broader meaning than its original use.
• Are there any alternatives to using the phrase? – Yes, there are plenty of alternatives to using the phrase, like ‘it’s very expensive’ or ‘it costs a fortune’.

References:

• Snopes.com, ‘Cost an Arm and a Leg.’ Accessed August 2021. https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/arm-and-leg/
• The Phrase Finder, ‘Cost an Arm and a Leg’. Accessed August 2021. https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cost-an-arm-and-a-leg.html