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an arm and a leg 

Figuratively, what one would have to sell or otherwise place as collateral in order to afford something of great expense.

Comes from the fact that, when buying things of great expense, it actually feels as if you are having to offer said appendages as collateral for said item you are purchasing.
Man, I just had to spend an arm and a leg to get my car repaired.

an arm and a leg 

A metaphor for the concept of equivalent exchange meaning 'at great personal cost', in reference to something gained.

The phrase may have originated from the legend of Edward Elric, an alchemist who attempted to revive his deceased mother and later restored his brother's soul at the physical cost of his left leg and right arm, respectively.
'Hmm, I might go and get a tattoo of one of those Ouroboros things.'
'Be careful, it'll cost you an arm and a leg!'

an arm and a leg 

A large amount of money; very expensive or costly.

Some things are so expensive that they are painful to buy, and cost everything you have.
an arm and a leg by VAKI5 May 10, 2005

an arm and a leg 

It cost me an arm and a leg to take my trip to Australia
an arm and a leg by Woo ! August 19, 2016

An Arm and a Leg 

When one of your limbs is ripped painfully from your body and a group of 12 men, one by one, stick their dicks into the bleeding muscles of your torn off limb and fill it with cum. Eventually the limb will lose blood and discolour but will still be rock solid from the dried cum.
Damn I would've given an arm and a leg for that!
An Arm and a Leg by Have a dick September 1, 2021

Costs an arm and a leg 

When is something is too expensive and your broke.
1-Yo those retro 11's look so damn good
2-It costs an arm and a leg