costare una fortuna
/koˈstaːre ˈuːna forˈtuːna/to be extremely expensive; to cost a very large amount of money
La macchina nuova costa una fortuna, non possiamo permettercela.
The new car costs a fortune, we can't afford it.
Quel ristorante è famoso per costare una fortuna, ma la qualità è eccellente.
That restaurant is famous for costing a fortune, but the quality is excellent.
Often used to express frustration or disbelief at high prices.
Collocations
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
When to use this idiom
Use 'costare una fortuna' when you want to emphasize that something is disproportionately expensive. It’s stronger than saying 'costare caro' (to be expensive) and adds a sense of frustration or disbelief. Avoid using it for everyday inexpensive items.
⚡Gold Rule
Avoid literal interpretation
Do not interpret 'costare una fortuna' literally as 'to cost a lucky event.' The idiom always refers to high cost, not luck.
📖Word Origin
The phrase combines 'costare' (to cost) and 'fortuna' (fortune, luck). The idiomatic meaning arises from the idea that something is so expensive it could deplete one's fortune or luck (i.e., financial ruin). The expression has been in use since at least the 19th century in Italian.
📝Usage Notes
This idiom is used in both spoken and written Italian, primarily in informal contexts. It emphasizes the excessive cost of something, often with a sense of exaggeration or humor. It can be used for tangible items (e.g., cars, houses) or services (e.g., weddings, vacations).