As far as I’m concerned there is nothing wrong in using a cliché such as “paid an arm and a leg”. If ever anyone wanted to make the point that he overpaid on a purchase, this cliché would do it. An arm and a leg is an exorbitant price for anything. Consider the consequences. If you broke the other leg you wouldn’t have a leg to stand on if you sought a refund. It would also be advisable not to get in an ass kicking contest.
On the other hand, the cliché does have a weakness. It does not specify whether a right or left arm was sacrificed when making the purchase. A southpaw paying a right arm and a leg does not have as much of an ax to grind compared to a righty paying a right arm and a leg. Of course if someone is ambidextrous, the point is moot.
I could say that I'm pulling your leg but from the word go ( the fact that it appears nowhere above is immaterial) I've been beating a dead horse.
No comments:
Post a Comment