Distinguish the level cap from insufficient XP
The numeric price in red indicates a lack of levels. “Too expensive” means the limit of the operation. The item on the left is the base, the item on the right is a consumable book or item. Until you take the result, experience is not spent. Reference: Minecraft: Anvil.
First, remove the rename, compare both book orientations, and check the result's enchantment list. Fortune and Silk Touch are not compatible; the lack of results from this is not corrected by experience.
Why prior work raises the price
Each anvil treatment increases the penalty for future jobs. A fresh item has it at zero, then a typical chain gives 1, 3, 7, 15, 31. When merging, the longer history of both inputs is taken into account. A beautiful name or complete strength does not show this story.
For four fresh books, compare the pairs A+B and C+D, and then apply the pairs to the fresh item. Balance reduces the depth of the chain; the price still depends on the charms themselves. Before each result, write down the price - the finished expensive book already carries its own story.
For table, shelves and enchantment compatibility, go to the guide: Planning enchantments and avoiding expensive anvil work.
What to do with an already expensive item
Leave the working tool and repair Mending: this repair does not increase the history of the anvil. Adding Mending after reaching the limit may no longer work.
grindstone removes regular enchantments and their history, but not curses; Doesn't give books back. Use it only if you are ready to lose the entire useful set. Otherwise, make a new blank and keep the old one as a spare.
The repair procedure with new experience is described separately: Mending in Minecraft: repair equipment with experience.
