Download or read book Dictionary of Proverbs and Their Origins written by Linda Flavell and published by Kyle Cathie Limited. This book was released on 2005 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Dictionary of Idioms and Their Origins written by Linda Flavell and published by . This book was released on 2005-01 with total page 216 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Stories Behind Idioms 1 written by Stephen Curtis and published by . This book was released on 2015-10-09 with total page 122 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms written by Judith Siefring and published by OUP Oxford. This book was released on 2005-11-10 with total page 720 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Dictionary of Idioms and Their Origins written by L & R. Flavell and published by . This book was released on 2002 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Dictionary of Idioms and Their Origins written by Linda Flavell and published by Kyle Books. This book was released on 2016-03-10 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Watch Your Tongue written by Mark Abley and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2018-10-30 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Phrases, idioms, and clichés—why do we say the things we say? Watch Your Tongue explores weird and wonderful everyday sayings and what they reveal about us. Do you ever wonder why you shouldn’t have a cow but you should seize a bull by its horns? Who has the better reputation in language—cats or dogs? Do you sometimes feel that our speech is all smoke and mirrors or that our expressions simply make no sense? In Watch Your Tongue, award-winning author Mark Abley explores the phrases, idioms, and clichés of our everyday language. With wit and subtle wisdom, he unravels the mysteries of these expressions, illuminating the history, tradition and stories behind everything we say. Pulling examples from Shakespeare’s plays to sports team names, ancient Rome to Twitter, Abley shares samples and anecdotes of the eccentric ways that we play with, parse, and pattern language. Why do so many companies use fruit for their brand names? What do politicians mean when they say they’re going to “drain the swamp”? Why does English use chickens to signify cowardice? Abley dives into the history and psychology behind these examples and countless others, unpacking their significance (and sheer absurdity) to show how our language developed, where it is headed, and what we can learn about ourselves from it. Whimsically illustrated, easily browsable, and full of catchy sidebars, Watch Your Tongue celebrates how we amuse ourselves with words and what our sayings reveal about the way we see the world.

Download or read book The BS Dictionary written by Bob Wiltfong and published by Association for Talent Development. This book was released on 2020-04-28 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Speak for Yourself Do you yearn for a book to disambiguate words and phrases commonly used in business settings, your workplace, and in life in general? Do you wish the kimono would open on idioms and clichés that stretch the bandwidth of understanding and make you wonder if your career is scalable? What are you really saying when you go against the grain and are aboveboard? What do you hear when your colleague wants face time or to move the needle? The BS Dictionary: Uncovering the Origins and True Meanings of Business Speak provides the real-world definitions to about 300 of the world's most commonly-used business terms and gives you the origin story (who coined the term? when did it start to be used figuratively in the business world?) for each one. Get the language clarity you need and have fun learning the full etymology of favorite phrases. Read humorous commentary about how phrases might be misused or misunderstood. If you are interested in language, business speak, writing, and trivia knowledge, this book is for you! Get The BS Dictionary and impress your friends with your newfound wealth of phrases and their history.

Download or read book McGraw Hill s Dictionary of American Idoms and Phrasal Verbs written by Richard A. Spears and published by McGraw Hill Professional. This book was released on 2006-02-03 with total page 1100 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book The Illustrated Histories of Everyday Expressions written by James McGuire and published by Whalen Book Works. This book was released on 2019-01-28 with total page 73 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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!

Download or read book IDIOMS Origins Meanings written by Jasper Hartwell and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2023-11-15 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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!

Download or read book Straight from the Horse s Mouth written by Stephen Liddell and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2017-05-22 with total page 84 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The English language is incredibly rich with centuries of history behind it. This does mean though that a lot of us use phrases today but we have absolutely no idea of why? What do they mean? Where does the saying come from? The meaning and origins of 100 common idioms or phrases are explained in this irreverent journey through the English language. This book takes you from the ancient world to the modern day and covers almost every aspect of life, it will open your eyes to the rich and fun heritage of the English language, maybe make you think twice but definitely raise a smile. 'The writings on the wall' though we don't want to 'blow our own trumpet' so 'keep your shirt on', we'll give you the 'full monty', 'Warts and all' lowdown on 100 of the most interesting Idioms. This isn't a 'damp squib' that deserves to be 'left on the shelf.' and that's 'Straight from the horse's mouth'!

Download or read book Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red written by Andrew Thompson and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2017-03-28 with total page 168 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Fresh as a Daisy written by Diane Costa and published by . This book was released on 2020-04-25 with total page 34 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A multicultural book that teaches English idioms about nature. Includes popular idioms, idiom meanings, example sentences, and colorful illustrations of characters and settings from around the world. This book also provides an English audio recording and links to teaching resources. This is a great resource for diverse classrooms!

Download or read book Oxford Dictionary of Idioms written by John Ayto and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2020-06-18 with total page 448 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Everyday Sayings written by Charles N. Lurie and published by . This book was released on 1928 with total page 382 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Scholastic Dictionary of Idioms written by Marvin Terban and published by Scholastic Reference. This book was released on 2006 with total page 298 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An updated introduction to American slang and phrase origins identifies and defines more than six hundred commonly used idioms, complementing the entries with kid-friendly sample sentences and entertaining illustrations. Original.