cost a fortune — to be very expensive; to cost a lot of money

a well-dressed customer stares in shock at a tiny diamond ring while the salesperson points to it with a confident smile. The customer's wallet lies completely empty on the counter with no bills remaining inside. The salesperson holds up the small but brilliant diamond ring that sparkles intensely under the store lights. The customer clutches their chest dramatically while their eyes bulge at the realization of the price. Other customers in the background also gasp and shake their heads at the astronomical cost. something that costs a fortune, requiring an enormous amount of money