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Idioms are statements or sentences with meanings that go beyond the literal meanings of the words they include. If you try to grasp them word for word, they might not make sense since they frequently have cultural or historical importance. Instead, their meanings are understood through common usage and context.
This Blog Includes:
Phrases for Expensive
You need to understand the importance of money. Money may not buy everything, but it plays a vital role in our lives. Here are the top 10 idioms related to “expensive,” along with their meanings and examples mentioned below for your reference. Let’s explore!
Cost an Arm and a Leg
Something that is very expensive can be expressed using the idiom ‘cost an arm and a leg.’
Example: “That designer handbag looks nice, but it probably costs an arm and a leg.”
Break the Bank
The idiom ‘break the bank’ can be understood as spending a large amount of money, often more than one can afford.
Example: “I’d love to go on a luxury vacation, but it might break the bank.”
Also Read: 150 Common: Difficult Idioms with Example
Pay Through the Nose
The idiom ‘pay through the nose’ means paying a high price for something.
Example: “I had to pay through the nose for those concert tickets.”
Cost a Pretty Penny
Something that is expensive and costs a significant amount of money can be expressed using the idiom ‘cost a pretty penny’.
Example: “The renovation of their house cost them a pretty penny.”
Also Read: Idioms for Beginners
An Arm and a Leg
The idiom ‘an arm and a leg’ can be understood as having a very high price.
Example: “The repairs on my car are going to cost me an arm and a leg.”
Highway Robbery
When something is very overpriced, it can be explained by using the idiom ‘highway robbery’.
Example: “Charging $10 for a cup of coffee is just highway robbery!”
Also Read: Idioms for Teachers
Cost a Fortune
The idiom ‘cost a fortune’ can be understood as something which is extremely expensive.
Example: “Buying a yacht can cost a fortune.”
Break your Wallet
The idiom ‘break your wallet’ means to spend a lot of money.
Example: “Shopping during the holiday season can really break your wallet.”
Also Read: Idioms for Beginners
Big Bucks
The idiom ‘big bucks’ means having a lot of money.
Example: “Investing in the stock market has the potential to earn you some big bucks.”
Idioms for Expensive Quiz to Test Your Understanding
Instructions: Choose the best idiom from the options provided to complete the sentence.
Questions:
- That new sports car ______; I don’t think I can afford it.
a) cost a pretty penny
b) is a piece of cake
c) is a steal
d) is dirt cheap
- Going on that luxury cruise would really ______.
a) break the bank
b) be a walk in the park
c) be a bargain
d) be a dime a dozen
- Those designer shoes ______; they’re way out of my budget.
a) cost an arm and a leg
b) are a rip-off
c) are a steal
d) are two for a penny
- I had to ______ for the emergency plumbing repairs.
a) pay through the nose
b) get a good deal
c) pay peanuts
d) get it for a song
- The antique vase ______; it’s a valuable collector’s item.
a) cost a fortune
b) is a dime a dozen
c) is going for a song
d) is dirt cheap
- Paying for college these days ______ for many families.
a) breaks the bank
b) is a piece of cake
c) is a steal
d) costs next to nothing
- That tiny apartment in the city ______; it’s ridiculously overpriced.
a) cost a pretty penny
b) is a bargain
c) is dirt cheap
d) is two for a penny
- Although the repairs were extensive, the mechanic didn’t ______.
a) charge an arm and a leg
b) give me a good deal
c) rip me off
d) charge peanuts
- The rare stamp ______; I was lucky to find it at that price.
a) cost a fortune
b) was a rip-off
c) was a steal
d) cost next to nothing
- Those concert tickets ______; I’m glad I bought them early.
a) cost a pretty penny
b) were a bargain
c) were dirt cheap
d) were two for a penny
Check Answers:
- a) cost a pretty penny
- a) break the bank
- a) cost an arm and a leg
- a) pay through the nose
- a) cost a fortune
- a) breaks the bank
- a) cost a pretty penny
- a) charge an arm and a leg
- c) was a steal
- a) cost a pretty penny
Check out more blogs on idioms and proverbs
FAQs
There are many colorful idioms to express that something is expensive. Here are a few of the most common ones:
Cost an arm and a leg: This is probably the most well-known idiom for “very expensive.” It suggests that the price is so high, you’d have to sacrifice a limb to pay for it.
Example: “That new car costs an arm and a leg!”
Break the bank: This idiom means that something is so expensive it will use up all your savings.
Example: “A trip to Hawaii would really break the bank.”
Pay through the nose: This idiom implies that you had to pay a very high price, possibly even unfairly so.
Example: “I had to pay through the nose for those last-minute plane tickets.”
Cost a pretty penny: This idiom simply means that something cost a significant amount of money.
Example: “That new dress cost me a pretty penny.”
Cost a fortune: This is a straightforward idiom that means something is very expensive.
Example: “That diamond necklace cost a fortune.”
Yes, there are a few idioms that imply that something is overpriced:
Highway robbery: This idiom suggests that the price is so high it’s like being robbed on the highway.
Example: “Charging $5 for a bottle of water is highway robbery!”
Rip-off: While not strictly an idiom, this common phrase also expresses that something is overpriced.
Example: “That used car they’re selling for $10,000 is a total rip-off.”
The idiom for lavish is to give someone a lot or attention.
There are many other idioms related to money, such as:
Money doesn’t grow on trees: This idiom means that money is not unlimited and must be earned.
A penny saved is a penny earned: This idiom emphasizes the importance of saving money.
To be rolling in it: This idiom means to be very rich
This was all about “Idioms for expensive.” Hope you understand the concept and know how to proceed. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs related to English grammar and the English language.
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