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This dictionary traces the origins and histories of over 400 proverbs, detailing the changes of meaning and usage that have occurred throughout each proverb's life and offering literary examples dating back over 2000 years.
Ever wondered why we "bark up the wrong tree" when we're mistaken or why things seem to "go down the drain" when they fail? These quirky expressions have been passed down through generations, but do you know where they come from? In "IDIOMS: Origins & Meanings," you’ll unlock the surprising, hilarious, and sometimes bizarre origins of over 200 popular idioms that we use without a second thought. What’s inside: Over 200 Idioms Demystified: Clear, concise explanations with fun examples that show you how to use these phrases in everyday conversations. Hilarious and Strange Origins: Did you know “raining cats and dogs” has nothing to do with pets falling from the sky? Or that “spill the beans” originally involved voting secrets? This book takes you on a journey through the strange histories of idioms that will leave you laughing and enlightened. Perfect for Everyone: Whether you’re a language lover, a student brushing up on English, or someone who just enjoys learning new and intriguing things, this book has something for everyone. Boost Your Conversations: Impress your friends, colleagues, or even just enjoy knowing exactly what it means to “put the cart before the horse” or why you should “hold your horses.” The Perfect Gift for Any Occasion Looking for a unique and thoughtful gift? This bookis perfect for anyone who loves language, enjoys quirky facts, or simply wants to be the most interesting person at the dinner table. Whether it’s for a friend, family member, or co-worker, this book is a gift that will spark laughter and curiosity. Don’t miss out on this entertaining and educational book! Buy Now and start your journey into the world of idioms—where every phrase has a funny, quirky, or unbelievable story waiting to be uncovered.
Do you feel that it's "like pulling teeth" when you want to learn new sayings? Would you like to be able to discover new American idioms and phrases that will make communication "a piece of cake"? Sure, you can learn English with a language course or a textbook just fine, and climb up the ranks in terms of your grasp of the language... but are you sure you can talk like a native? For starters, many expressions used by fluent speakers of English can't exactly be learned in a book, and it can be frustrating to realize that your formal learning hasn't been enough to teach you the way people talk in real life. Sometimes, it's all about having the right tools at your disposal... and this is where The Great Book of American Idioms comes in! Written to act as a powerful addition to your other English-learning resources, this book will allow you to: Discover over 1300 different idioms and sayings, covering hundreds of different subjects Learn the correct definition and usage of each expression, ensuring that you know exactly when you can say them out loud during a conversation Visualize examples of the sayings in common conversations, helping you understand their context Take advantage of important tips we provide you in the introduction and conclusion of the book, so that you can boost your learning and get a much better understanding of the English language. What are you waiting for? Over 1300 idioms and expressions are awaiting you! Don't miss out on learning why this "dark horse" will help you "see the big picture"!
Did you know that 'flavour of the month' originated in a marketing campaign in American ice-cream parlours in the 1940s, when a particular flavour would be specially promoted for a month at a time? And did you know that 'off the cuff' refers to the rather messy practice of writing impromptu notes on one's shirt cuff before speaking in public? These and many more idioms are explained and put into context in this second edition of the Oxford Dictionary of Idioms. This vastly entertaining dictionary takes a fresh look at the idiomatic phrases and sayings that make English such a rich and intriguing language. A major new edition, it contains entries for over 5000 idioms, including 350 new entries and over 500 new quotations. The text has been updated to include many new idioms using the findings of the Oxford English Reading Programme, the biggest language research programme in the world. The entries are supported by a wealth of illustrative quotations from a wide range of sources and periods. For example: 'Rowling has not been asleep at the wheel in the three years since the last Potter novel, and I am pleased to report that she has not confused sheer length with inspiration.' - Guardian, 2003. 'I made the speech of a lifetime. I had them tearing up the seats and rolling in the aisles.' - P.G. Woodhouse, 1940. Many entries include boxed features which give more detailed background on the idiom in question. For example, did you know that 'taken aback' was adopted from nautical terminology, and described a ship unable to move forward because of a strong headwind pressing its sails back against the mast? The text has been entirely redesigned so that it is both elegant and easy to use. Anyone interested in the quirky side of the English language will have hours of fun browsing through this fascinating and informative volume.
Learn the language of Nebraska . . .and 49 other states With more entries than any other reference of its kind,McGraw-Hill’s Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs shows you how American English is spoken today. You will find commonly used phrasal verbs, idiomatic expressions, proverbial expressions, and clichés. The dictionary contains more than 24,000 entries, each defined and followed by one or two example sentences. It also includes a Phrase-Finder Index with more than 60,000 entries.
What is it to 'cock a snook', where is the land of Nod, and who was first to go the extra mile? Find the answers to these questions (and many more!) in the new edition of the Oxford Dictionary of Idioms. This dictionary uncovers the meanings of myriad phrases and sayings that are used daily in the English language, encompassing more than 10,000 figurative expressions, similes, sayings, and proverbs. More than 400 idioms have been added to this new edition, and comprise recently coined and common sayings alike. New additions include 'back of the net', 'drag and drop', 'go it alone', 'how come?', 'if you ask me', 'make your skin crawl', and 'woe betide'. Illustrative quotations sourced from the Oxford corpora give contextual examples of the idioms and their standard usage, and many entries include background information on the origins of the idiom in question. An updated thematic index makes for easy navigation, and anyone who is interested in the origins and diversity of English vernacular will have hours of fun browsing this fascinating dictionary.
The Illustrated Histories of Everyday Expressions uncovers the fascinating, humorous, and often unbelievable origin stories behind the English language's most common sayings! Nobody thinks twice about sayings like bite the bullet and the cat's out of the bag. But the strange and wonderful origins of these expressions are far from arbitrary: They are rooted in forgotten history. Within this book, you will discover the origins of idioms like: Why we say an unwell person is under the weather. It goes back to when sickly sailors and seafarers had to rest below deck! How come sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle is called riding shotgun." In the Wild West, passengers had a crucial job: packing heat and preventing highway robberies! What's up with the phrase, cat got your tongue. Here's a hint: It doesn't have anything to do with cats! With over 100 pieces of original artwork, The Illustrated Histories of Everyday Expressions is as beautiful as it is entertaining and informative. Read up on this fascinating history of the English language's 64 most popular idioms, and you will know what it really means when you say pass with flying colors, bury the hatchet, and rest on your laurels!
Discover hundreds of entertaining and often hilarious etymological journeys, by the bestselling author of Can Holding in a Fart Kill You? English is filled with curious, intriguing and bizarre phrases. This book reveals the surprising, captivating and even hilarious origins behind 400 of them, including: • Read between the Lines • Cat Got Your Tongue? • Put a Sock in It • Close, but No Cigar • Bring Home the Bacon • Caught Red-Handed • Under the Weather • Raining Cats and Dogs Perfect for trivia and language lovers alike, this entertaining collection is the ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.
