Would you trade an eye for that new car?
Because, well, in Mexican Spanish, costar un ojo de la cara means:
👉 to cost an arm and a leg
The imagery is deliciously dramatic… I mean, losing an eye is a pretty steep price to pay, so if something’s worth that, it’s painfully pricey!
🌪️ When to whip it out
Whenever you want to complain (or warn someone) about a ridiculous price tag:
Ese coche cuesta un ojo de la cara.
That car costs an arm and a leg.
El viaje nos salió en un ojo de la cara.
The trip cost us an arm and a leg.
Esas botas están padrísimas, pero cuestan un ojo de la cara.
Those boots are gorgeous, but they cost a fortune.
⚠️ Tone
✅ Standard Spanish.
✅ Works in casual and semi-formal settings.
⚠️ Slightly dramatic, so perfect for storytelling and complaining.
🔁 Similar chunks
Costar un dineralCostar una fortunaEstar carísimoCarísimo de París¿A poco vuela?¿Vuela o qué?Estar por las nubes¿Pues qué hace?