What it means… cost "an arm and a leg." ?

Question

What it means… cost "an arm and a leg." ?

Answer 1

Centuries ago, purchasing real estate often required having one or more limbs amputated in order to prevent the purchaser from running away to avoid repayment of the loan. Hence an expensive purchase was said to cost "an arm and a leg." !!!.

Answer 2

Cost an arm and leg - Meaning :

An arm and a leg - "A large sum of money; as if worth two of one's four limbs." From "Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable" revised by Adrian Room (HarperCollinsPublishers, New York, 1999, Sixteenth Edition). No origin is given.

There's another Brewer's entry that sounds like it might have a connection: Chance one's arm - "To run a risk in the hope of succeeding and obtaining a profit or advantage. The phrase is of army origin. A non-commissioned officer who offends against service regulations risks demotion and the loss of a stripe from his sleeve."

It means something is extremely expensive (i.e. you would have to sell your arm and your leg to get it)

Answer 3

Adam was lonely and asked God for a companion.

God said: I have someone in mind for you. She'll be sweet and obedient, take care of your house and children, and bring joy to your life.

Adam: Wow! That's terrific. But wait, what's this going to cost me?

God: Well, such a wonderful creature will cost an arm and a leg.

Adam: Geez. What can you get me for a rib?