pay an arm and a leg (for something)
To pay an exorbitant amount of money for something. The first-class cabins are by far the best way to travel on these cruise boats, but you pay an arm and a leg for them. I just want to travel somewhere sunny and warm without paying an arm and a leg.
pay an arm and a leg (for something)
and pay through the nose (for something)Fig. to pay too much [money] for something. I hate to have to pay an arm and a leg for a tank of gas. If you shop around, you won't have to pay an arm and a leg. Why should you pay through the nose?