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./