Business English from All Ears English

BE 466: Can You Still Say "It Costs an Arm and a Leg?"

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Sep 18, 2025
Discover the evolving use of the idiom 'costs an arm and a leg' and whether it still fits in modern business language. Explore practical alternatives for discussing expenses, such as 'not within our budget' and 'exorbitant,' while diving into relatable role plays. Enhance your professional vocabulary while learning how these phrases can shape financial discussions and decisions. Tune in for valuable insights that will elevate your Business English skills!
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ANECDOTE

Travel Example Of High Costs

  • Lindsay and Michelle describe booking an expensive trip to Norway and paying for extras like kayaking and seats.
  • They use this travel example to illustrate the phrase "costs an arm and a leg."
INSIGHT

Old-Fashioned But Still Usable

  • The hosts analyze whether the idiom "costs an arm and a leg" is outdated.
  • They conclude it's slightly old-fashioned but still acceptable in modern speech.
ADVICE

Use The Idiom To Signal High Cost

  • Use "costs an arm and a leg" to mean something is very expensive in casual conversation.
  • Pair it with business vocabulary when discussing budgets to sound natural and relevant.
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