Costing an arm and a leg (6) - Crossword Clue
Answer: PRICEY
PRICEY is a 6-letter word meaning expensive or costing an arm and a leg. This informal term describes something that requires a significant amount of money to purchase or obtain, often more than expected or desired.
Understanding the Phrase "Costing an Arm and a Leg"
- The idiom "costing an arm and a leg" refers to something extremely expensive or requiring a substantial financial sacrifice.
- When something is pricey, it commands a high price point that may stretch your budget or require careful financial consideration before purchasing.
Tips for Solving "Expensive" Crossword Clues
- Look for letter count first - The number in parentheses tells you exactly how many letters the answer contains. This immediately narrows your options.
- Consider informal vs. formal language - Crosswords often use colloquial terms like "pricey" rather than formal words like "expensive."
- Check crossing words - If you have letters from intersecting answers, use them to confirm your solution fits both horizontally and vertically.
- Think about common suffixes - Words ending in "-Y" often describe qualities or characteristics (pricey, costly, risky).
- Context matters - The tone of the clue often matches the tone of the answer. A casual phrase like "costing an arm and a leg" suggests an informal answer.
Costing an arm and a leg (6) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Why is it called "costing an arm and a leg"?
A: The exact origin is uncertain, but the phrase likely emerged in mid-20th century America to emphasize extreme expense by referencing the most valuable body parts. It creates a vivid image of sacrifice to convey high cost.
Q: Are there other 6-letter words meaning expensive?
A: Yes, COSTLY is the most common alternative. However, PRICEY appears more frequently in modern crosswords due to its colloquial nature and useful letter combinations (especially the Y ending).
Q: How do I know if the answer is PRICEY or COSTLY?
A: Check your crossing letters. The Y in PRICEY vs. Y in COSTLY appears in different positions. PRICEY ends with Y, while COSTLY has Y as its fifth letter.
Q: Is PRICEY considered too informal for crosswords?
A: Not at all. Modern crosswords embrace conversational language, and PRICEY is a standard entry in contemporary puzzles. It's recognized in all major dictionaries as a legitimate informal adjective.
Q: What other idioms relate to expensive things?
A: Common expressions include "breaking the bank," "highway robbery," "paying through the nose," and "costing a fortune." Each might appear as crossword clues with different answer lengths.
