An Arm and a Leg – बहुत महंगा होना

Meaning & Explanation

The idiom “An arm and a leg” means something is extremely expensive, costing a huge amount of money—almost as much as a literal limb would.

Hindi Equivalent:

“बहुत महंगा होना”
Literal Meaning: “To be very costly”

Detailed Explanation

This expression emphasizes:

• High Cost: Prices so steep they feel like losing a body part
• Financial Burden: Expenses that strain budgets significantly
• Shock Value: Dramatic way to describe outrageous pricing

The phrase likely originated in mid-20th century America, comparing monetary loss to physical sacrifice.

Real-Life Examples

1. Healthcare Costs

English: “The surgery didn’t just cost money—it cost an arm and a leg!”
Hindi: “सर्जरी की कीमत सिर्फ पैसे नहीं, बल्कि बहुत ज्यादा थी!”

2. Luxury Purchases

English: “That designer bag costs an arm and a leg—is it really worth it?”
Hindi: “वह डिजाइनर बैग बहुत महंगा है—क्या यह सच में उतना ही अच्छा है?”

3. Education Expenses

English: “Private university fees these days require an arm and a leg.”
Hindi: “आजकल प्राइवेट यूनिवर्सिटी की फीस बहुत ज्यादा है।”

Psychological & Economic Insight

Why this idiom resonates:
✓ Loss Aversion: People fear losing what they have (like limbs)
✓ Inflation Perception: Prices feel disproportionately high
✓ Emotional Impact: Makes cost feel physically painful

Usage Tips

✔ Use for shockingly high prices (not moderately expensive items)
✔ Works in personal finance discussions
✔ Avoid in formal business contexts

Similar Expressions

English	Hindi
“Cost a fortune”	“कीमत बहुत ज्यादा होना”
“Break the bank”	“बजट से बाहर होना”
“Pricey”	“महंगा”

Cultural Perspectives

Other languages use body metaphors for cost:

• French: “Coûter les yeux de la tête” (Cost an eye from your head)
• Spanish: “Costar un ojo de la cara” (Cost an eye from your face)
• German: “Ein Vermögen kosten” (Cost a fortune)

Reflection Questions:

1. What recent purchase felt like it cost “an arm and a leg”?
2. How can we make better decisions about high-cost items?