Explore the origins, meanings, and cultural significance of the phrase 'cost an arm and a leg/a pretty penny,' a cliché denoting exorbitant expense.
The phrase “cost an arm and a leg/a pretty penny” is a colloquial expression used to describe something that is excessively expensive or exorbitantly priced. It conveys the notion of a cost so high that it metaphorically demands a significant sacrifice from the purchaser.
The expression “cost an arm and a leg” is believed to have originated in the United States during the mid-twentieth century. Its etymology is rooted in the hyperbolic idea of sacrificing one’s limbs to afford something, thereby emphasizing the extreme expense involved. The phrase “a pretty penny,” on the other hand, has British origins, with “pretty” historically signifying something considerable in amount. This usage dates back to the late nineteenth century, though it was prevalent in the eighteenth century as well. The term “a fine penny” was a similar expression, now obsolete, that conveyed a comparable meaning. The phrase crossed the Atlantic, appearing in American literature, such as Bret Harte’s Maruja (1885): “The captain might still make a pretty penny.”
Semantically, both phrases serve as idiomatic expressions to highlight financial strain or the high cost of an item or service. While “cost an arm and a leg” employs a more vivid and dramatic imagery, “a pretty penny” adopts a subtler approach. The former is often used in contexts where the speaker wishes to underscore the severity of the expense, whereas the latter may be employed in more understated or traditional contexts.
In contemporary culture, these phrases are frequently encountered in everyday conversation, literature, and media. They are used to express financial concerns or to critique the high cost of goods and services. Their presence in literature and film often serves to illustrate characters’ financial predicaments or the societal implications of wealth and expenditure.
In professional contexts, these phrases might be used to discuss budgetary constraints or the financial implications of business decisions. Socially, they are often employed in casual conversations to express dissatisfaction with high prices. In literary contexts, they can serve as metaphors for sacrifice or the societal pressures of wealth.
The phrase “cost an arm and a leg/a pretty penny” remains highly relevant in contemporary discourse, given the persistent concerns over economic issues and consumerism. Its vivid imagery and historical roots contribute to its enduring appeal. Durability: ★★★★☆
“The captain might still make a pretty penny.” - Bret Harte, Maruja (1885)