The phrase is an exaggeration and not to be taken literally; it indicates something is very expensive. That designer watch must have cost you an arm and a leg!
Pro Tip 2/3
Informal Tone
Used in casual conversations, not in formal writing or speeches. I’d love to go on that trip, but the tickets cost an arm and a leg.
Pro Tip 3/3
Humorous Context
Often used humorously to comment on the high price of something. Eating out at that fancy restaurant would cost us an arm and a leg, we'd be broke!