The idiom “an arm and a leg” is commonly used in English to indicate that something is very expensive. For IELTS candidates, understanding and using such idioms can significantly improve their scores in both the Speaking and Writing sections. This article will provide a detailed analysis of this idiom, explore its use in IELTS contexts, and introduce related vocabulary.
Related Keywords and Synonyms:
- Costly [ˈkɒstli] (adjective) – involving great expense.
- Example: His new car was very costly.
- Expensive [ɪkˈspɛnsɪv] (adjective) – high in price.
- Example: The hotel room was too expensive for us.
- Dear [dɪər] (adjective) – expensive.
- Example: The vintage watch was quite dear.
- Pricy [ˈpraɪsi] (adjective) – costing a lot of money.
- Example: Fancy restaurants are often pricy.
- Cost a fortune [kɒst ə ˈfɔːʧən] (verb phrase) – to be very expensive.
- Example: The surgery could cost a fortune.
Main Content
Understanding the Meaning of “An Arm and a Leg”
“An arm and a leg” is an idiom used to express that something is extremely expensive or costly. The phrase usually conveys a sense of something being overpriced or unjustifiably expensive.
Pronunciation: [æn ɑːm ənd ə lɛg]
Frequency in IELTS Exams
Idioms like “an arm and a leg” frequently appear in the IELTS Speaking test, where candidates are expected to use natural and expressive language. They can also be useful in the Writing test, particularly in Task 2 when discussing topics related to economics, lifestyle, or consumer habits.
Sample Questions from IELTS
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Speaking Part 2: Describe something expensive you want to buy.
- Example: “I have always wanted to buy a luxury watch, but it would cost an arm and a leg.”
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Writing Task 2: Discuss the impact of high education costs.
- Example: “In some countries, attending university costs an arm and a leg, which can be a significant burden for many families.”
Combining the Keyword with Other Vocabulary
Idiomatic expressions can add depth to your language. Let’s look at some examples:
-
House:
- “Buying a house in the city today costs an arm and a leg.”
-
Luxury Items:
- “Designer handbags cost an arm and a leg.”
Related Idioms and Expressions
Understanding a range of idioms can diversify your expression. Here are a few:
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Break the bank – to be very expensive.
- Example: “This holiday package will break the bank.”
-
Pay through the nose – to pay too much money for something.
- Example: “I had to pay through the nose for that flight ticket.”
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Cost a pretty penny – to be very expensive.
- Example: “Her new dress must have cost a pretty penny.”
-
Fork out a lot of money – to spend a lot of money.
- Example: “He had to fork out a lot of money for his daughter’s wedding.”
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Pricey – high in price.
- Example: “The meal at that restaurant was quite pricey.”
Conclusion
Incorporating idioms such as “an arm and a leg” into your IELTS responses can make your language more vivid and engaging. Remember to practice using these idioms naturally in various contexts. Reviewing sample questions and mock tests can aid in integrating them smoothly into your answers. Useful preparation involves not just understanding the idiom but also being able to use it appropriately.
For more related idioms and phrases, check out our other articles on idioms for IELTS:
Happy studying and good luck with your IELTS preparation!