A king's ransom Meaning in English
expression
ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈkɪŋz/ /ˈɹænsəm
uh KINGZ RAN-sum
æɪ/ /kɪŋz/ /ɹˈænsəm
uh KINGZ RAN-sum
Definition
A very large amount of money; much more than is typical or expected.
Usage & Nuances
Idiom, informal or semi-formal. Used to describe shock at a high cost ('costs a king's ransom'), huge profits, or wealth. Similar to 'a fortune' or 'an arm and a leg.' Never used for small or moderate amounts.
Spanish: una fortuna - un dineralPortuguese (BR): uma fortuna - um dinheirãoPortuguese (PT): uma fortuna - um dinheirãoChinese (Simplified): 天价 - 一大笔钱Chinese (Traditional): 天價 - 一大筆錢Hindi: अपार धन - बहुत बड़ी रकमArabic: ثروة طائلة - مبلغ ضخمBengali: রাজকীয় মুক্তিপণ - প্রচুর টাকাRussian: целое состояние - огромные деньгиJapanese: 大金 - 莫大な財産Vietnamese: một gia tài - số tiền lớnKorean: 큰돈 - 거액Turkish: servet - bir servet değerinde paraUrdu: خطیر دولت - بھاری رقمIndonesian: uang tebusan raja - sangat banyak uang
Example Sentences
That watch cost a king's ransom.
basic
They spent a king's ransom on their wedding.
basic
You could buy a house with a king's ransom.
basic
This vacation cost me a king's ransom, but it was worth it.
natural
They offered him a king's ransom to stay with the company.
natural
Some rare paintings are worth a king's ransom these days.
natural