I'm trying to find the derivation of the phrase "it cost an arm and a leg."
I've checked various dictionaries of phrases, online sources and the O.E.D.
One source I checked said that it was probably a relatively recent phrase
(post-WWII), but didn't give an explanation. A colleague has suggested that
it might refer to insurance payments for the loss of an arm or a leg. Any
ideas? Many thanks -
Marilyn B. Willats
Reference Librarian
Library Associates at Pillsbury Winthrop
50 Fremont St., 6th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: (415) 983-1749
Fax: (415) 983-1200
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