king's ransom

American  

noun

1. an extremely large amount of money.

   The painting was sold for a king's ransom.

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king's ransom Idioms  

1. A huge sum of money, as in That handmade rug must have cost a king's ransom. This metaphoric expression originally referred to the sum required to release a king from captivity. [Late 1400s]

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Example Sentences

The flatshare in your 20s, the first job when everything is known and that modest salary feels like a king’s ransom.

From MarketWatch

“She’s demanding a king’s ransom. So pack your bag, Nell. My next case takes me to the state of Pennsylvania, and I will need you to accompany me.”

From Literature

But it’s now 2026—and after years of paying a king’s ransom for a handful of high-growth tech names, investors might be ready for a new approach.

From Barron's

“Listen up, miss. It’s my job to guard the queen’s palace, and guard it I will. I’m on strict orders not to converse with the tourists, so you’ve already got me in trouble. Easy there, little fella! The hat’s pure Canadian brown bear, and they cost a king’s ransom. I’d hate to explain to my commanding officer why I need a new one.”

From Literature

“I’ve just delivered Lord Fredrick Ashton to the humble cottage he’s paid a king’s ransom to rent. I trust that meets with your approval, governess.”

From Literature