Dictionary of Proverbs and Their Origins


Book Description

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.




Dictionary of Idioms and Their Origins


Book Description

The English language contains a great store of idioms that can be used in creative and forceful ways. This book examines over 400 phrases, tracing each one's source and history through a supply of examples.




The Illustrated Histories of Everyday Expressions


Book Description

With 100+ full-page illustrations, The Illustrated Histories of Everyday Expressions introduces readers to the fascinating, humorous, and often unbelievable origin stories behind the English language’s most common sayings! Why do we bring home the bacon, instead of some other salty meat? Whose beans are we spilling, exactly? Why was that cat in the bag to begin with? Every day, English speaking people turn phrase after phrase, idiom after idiom, with no actual idea what they are saying! Sure, the meaning of these expressions has long been established, but rarely do we stop to think about where they come from. The Illustrated Histories of Everyday Expressions will profile 64 of the greatest idiom origin stories through simple text and captivating illustration. No longer will you wonder why getting a goat is so frustrating, or why hatters are so mad (and no, that one doesn’t come from Alice in Wonderland)! With The Illustrated Histories of Everyday Expressions, everyday phrases come to life! Inside this charming little hardcover volume, the illustrated idioms will be arranged chronologically, with the oldest expressions appearing first, working all the way up to the present day. Each entry will provide the saying’s definition and origin story, laid out cohesively within a funny and captivating illustration of the strange and wonderful long-forgotten story. Whalen Book Works is an independent book publishing company that combines top-notch design, unique formats, and fresh content to create truly innovative gift books. We bring together a talented team of writers, designers, illustrators, and artists in order to develop strong editorial content that brings a book to life!




IDIOMS Origins & Meanings


Book Description

Journey Deeper into the Heart of Language with Volume II of Our Ultimate Idiom Collection - A Must-Have for Language Aficionados! Building on the success of our first book, Volume II expands the horizon, exploring an even wider array of idioms that span across diverse themes and cultures. This volume offers a deeper dive into the fascinating world of idioms, making it a perfect addition for anyone passionate about the nuances and diversity of English.What Volume II Offers: Expanded Comprehension: Delve into another 200 idioms, each unraveled with clear explanations and example sentences. This volume goes beyond the basics, offering insights into more complex and culturally rich idioms, ideal for readers looking to broaden their linguistic horizons. The Ideal Continuation for Language Enthusiasts: If the first volume captivated you, Volume 2 is your next step. It serves as an excellent continuation, deepening your understanding and love for the quirks of English. Richer Cultural Insights: Volume 2 provides a more nuanced look into the origins and contexts of idioms, reflecting a broader spectrum of English-speaking cultures. It's a journey into the historical and cultural depths behind everyday expressions. For the Avid Idiom Explorer: This edition satisfies the curiosity of those who crave a deeper understanding of idioms. It's packed with intriguing explorations and facts, making it a treasure for anyone who finds joy in the eccentricities of language. For Every Advanced Learner: Tailored for those seeking to refine their understanding of English, this volume addresses the needs of advanced learners, from non-native speakers to professionals aiming to enrich their linguistic skills. Elevate Your Communication: Utilize idioms to infuse your writing and speech with flair and sophistication. Make your communication more impactful and engaging. "IDIOMS: Origins & Meanings, Volume II" is more than just a sequel; it's a deepening journey into the art of English expressions. Embrace the expanded richness of language and history, and open doors to new levels of fluency and cultural comprehension. Secure your copy today and continue your mastery of idioms!




Dictionary of Idioms and Their Origins


Book Description

p.The English language contains a great store of idioms that can be used in creative and forceful ways. Dictionary of Idioms examines over 400 such phrases, tracing each one's source and history through a rich supply of examples. New entries in the revised edition include 'play fast and loose' (from a 16th-century fairground game), 'head over heels' (a totally illogical variation on the more sensible 'heels over head') and 'knee-high to a grasshopper' (which won out over knee-high to a mosquito and knee-high to a toad). Mini-essays scattered through the book expand on such broader themes as What is an idiom? National Rivalries and The Old Curiosity Shop of Linguistics. Linda and Roger Flavell combine scholarly accuracy with an unfailing understanding of the snippets of information that intrigue the browser.




The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms


Book Description

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.




Everyday Sayings


Book Description




Phrases and Names, Their Origins and Meanings


Book Description

Ever wonder about the origin of the phrase 'mad as a hatter'? Or the meaning behind expressions like 'give the devil his due'? This book provides fascinating insight into the etymology of a wide range of commonly used phrases and names. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.







McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Idoms and Phrasal Verbs


Book Description

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.