king's ransom n. phr. 1. An excessively large sum of money extorted by kidnappers to let someone go free.
The Smith family had to pay a kings ransom for the freedom of their seven-year-old son, Tommy. 2. An exorbitant fee one is forced to pay.
The realtors exacted a king's ransom for that choice lot on the comer. [TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲