IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishgive one's right arm to do something
Meaning: To want something very much.
Example: “I'd give my right arm to see that band play live.”
Origin: For most people the right arm is the stronger, more useful one, so offering to give it up shows how badly one wants something. The phrase is recorded from the early 20th century.
More English idioms
- hand to mouth To live in poor conditions from day to day; to be impoverished.
- head and shoulders above At a much higher level.
- have one's head in the clouds To be impractical or absent-minded; to be unaware of what is going on around one.
- head over heels in love Very much in love; uncontrollably in love.
- heart to heart Serious and intimate.
- hit the nail on the head To come to the right conclusion.
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