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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, but they often have an interpretation behind them. These idioms have been used for a long time since they frequently have cultural or historical importance. Instead, their meanings are understood through common usage and context. In this blog, we have discussed the top idioms for Expensive that you should know to use in daily life.
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Idioms for Expensive
There are many idioms for ‘Expensive’ often used in our daily life, but we don’t have much idea bout them. 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
Meaning: 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
Meaning: 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
Meaning: 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
Meaning: 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.”
Highway Robbery
Meaning: 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!”
Cost a Fortune
Meaning: 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
Meaning: The idiom ‘break your wallet’ means to spend a lot of money.
Example: “Shopping during the holiday season can really break your wallet.”
Worth Its Weight in Gold
Meaning: Very valuable (often because it’s high quality or useful).
Example: Good advice from a mentor is worth its weight in gold.
Top Dollar
Meaning: The highest price for something.
Example: Collectors pay top dollar for rare sneakers.
Also Read: Idioms for Beginners
Big Bucks
Meaning: 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:
1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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:
1. a) cost a pretty penny
2. a) break the bank
3. a) cost an arm and a leg
4. a) pay through the nose
5. a) cost a fortune
6. a) breaks the bank
7. a) cost a pretty penny
8. a) charge an arm and a leg
9. c) was a steal
10. a) cost a pretty penny
FAQs
There are many colourful idioms to express that something is expensive. Here are a few of the most common ones: Cost and arm and a leg, Break the bank, Pay through the nose and many more.
Yes, there are a few idioms that imply that something is overpriced. They are Highway robbery and Rip-off.
Example: “That used car they’re selling for USD 10,000 is a total rip-off.”
You can say “overpriced,” “costly,” “pricey,” or use idioms like “cost a fortune” or “break the bank.” These expressions clearly show that something is extremely expensive
Common slang words for expensive include “boujee,” “spendy,” “high-end,” and “top-tier.” These are often used casually, especially by younger people, to describe costly items or lifestyles.
A popular idiom related to cost is “you get what you pay for.” It means the quality of something usually matches its price—cheap things may not be very good.
Related Reads:
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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