PAY THROUGH THE NOSE :: (BE) A STEAL

If you paid through the nose, it means you paid too much for something.

On the other hand, if something was a steal, it was a bargain or gotten at a reasonable price.


For example:

Ron: You paid $3000 for this car! I think you paid through the nose. You should try to get your money back.

Richie: I disagree. This car has only 50, 000 miles and runs like new. In my opinion, it was a steal.

                                           image courtesy of dreamstime.com