Question

Identify the meaning of the idioms or phrases given in italics in the sentence: The plot of land costs an arm and a leg

• A. moderate
• B. very expensive
• C. cheap
• D. for sale

Hint:

Idioms involving body parts often refer to high values, personal sacrifices, or deep emotions.
Remembering that limbs are invaluable helps you connect this idiom to something of extremely high cost.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks us to identify the meaning of the common English idiom ``costs an arm and a leg'' within the context of the sentence.
Idiomatic expressions should not be interpreted literally.

Step 2: Key Concepts and Idiomatic Meanings:
Idioms are phrases where the collective meaning is different from the literal dictionary definitions of the individual words.
The phrase ``an arm and a leg'' represents an incredibly high price because losing limbs is an extreme and costly sacrifice.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Option (B) - very expensive: This is the correct figurative meaning of the idiom.
If a plot of land costs an arm and a leg, it means the price is exceptionally high, and purchasing it requires an immense financial stretch.

• Option (A) - moderate: This means average or reasonable in cost, which contradicts the extreme nature of the idiom.

• Option (C) - cheap: This is the antonym of the actual meaning of the phrase.

• Option (D) - for sale: This is a literal status of real estate and does not convey the price aspect indicated by the idiom.


Step 4: Final Answer:
Thus, the correct answer is Option (B).