Charge, cost, pay, etc. the earth
phrase
To be extremely expensive.
The new iPhone costs the earth, I cannot afford it.

Often appears as...
- costs the earth
- pays the earth
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
To be extremely expensive.
The new iPhone costs the earth, I cannot afford it.

Often appears as...
- costs the earth
- pays the earth
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 1

Colloquial Expression
Used informally among friends or in casual conversations, not in formal situations.

I'd love to stay at that hotel, but it charges the earth!
Emphasis on Cost
Emphasizes that something is prohibitively expensive, often frustratingly so.

Ever since the restaurant got famous, they've started to charge the earth for a meal.
Exaggeration
It's an exaggerated way to say something is very costly, not meant literally.

This designer bag costs the earth, but I must have it!
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