costare un occhio della testa

/koˈsta.re un ˈɔk.kjo de.la ˈte.sta/
phrase★Intermediate— to be very expensive◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
To be extremely expensive, often to the point of being unaffordable or excessive in price.
Literal Meaning
To cost an eye of the head (which is nonsensical as the eye is not literally part of the head in this context).
Literal Breakdown
costareto cost+un occhioan eye+della testaof the head
◇ Mental Image
The phrase evokes the idea of losing something invaluable (an eye) to emphasize the high cost of an item or service.
◈ When to Use
A friend is showing you a luxury item and says, 'Questo orologio costa un occhio della testa!' to express that it is very expensive.
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom is similar to the English 'cost an arm and a leg,' both of which use body parts to emphasize the high cost of something.
informal

To be extremely expensive, often to the point of being unaffordable or excessive in price.

Il biglietto per il concerto costa un occhio della testa.

The concert ticket costs an arm and a leg.

Quella macchina è troppo costosa, costa un occhio della testa!

That car is too expensive, it costs a fortune!

💡

This idiom is commonly used to express shock or frustration at high prices.

Related Phrases

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

Use this phrase when describing something that is significantly more expensive than expected or reasonable.

⚡Gold Rule

Avoid Formal Settings

This idiom is informal and should not be used in formal or professional contexts.

📖Word Origin

The phrase likely originates from the idea that losing an eye would be a severe and irreparable loss, much like spending an exorbitant amount of money.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is informal and often used in everyday conversation to emphasize the high cost of something. It can be used for both literal and figurative expenses.

Word Breakdown

costare
to cost
root
+
occhio
eye
root
+
della testa
of the head
root
Dizionario Italiano-Inglese