On The Origin Of The Clich S And Evolution Of Idioms

This fascinating work unveils the origins and meanings of almost 400 common English cliches, idioms, axioms, proverbs, similes, and curious words and catch-phrases, salted with a hint of humor. It is a myth-buster on the origins of a number of them. If you think you know the full scoop on "Your name is mud," and the international distress signal, "SOS," you are likely wrong. What about "People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones?" and "Caught red handed?" Did "Cleanliness is next to godliness" come from the Bible? The book is illustrated and lists hundreds of references from books, plays, films, songs, poems, and even currency, letters and court records. Delve into this unique tome which is better by 'a country mile' than many others of its type.

In what may just be the most detailed, accurate and comprehensive book of its type ever published, Stanley J. St. Clair, author of On the Origin of the Cliches and Evolution of Idioms, delves deep into the history of phrases and common English expressions, exposing numerous misconceptions and incorrect previously published origins. By enlarging the page size, using smaller print, and removing the illustrations and humorous antidotes, St. Clair is able to include all of the entries in his two previous volumes and double the combined number in this remarkable work. Many of our common catchphrases are actually misquotes, often even attributed wrongly. Did you know that "Me Tarzan, you Jane" was never used in any Tarzan book or movie? Are you aware of the fact that "Elementary, my dear Watson" never appeared in any of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes novels? Then from where did these quotes originate? Did you know that "umpteenth time" was in use almost 100 years before top printed sources claim? Did you know that "God willing and the Creeks don't rise" originally had nothing to do with streams of water? Did you know that "How do you like them apples?" was not referring to the fruit, and that the date of its first appearance in print is often wrongly stated? Unlike most phrase dictionaries, in many cases this work not only gives the definition and most likely origin, but early citations as well. With entries as ancient as "By the skin of my teeth" to as new as "Kicking the can down the road," this comprehensive work is sure to appeal to seekers of truth everywhere. The author welcomes your comments."

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.

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.

This updated and expanded edition explains the meanings and origins of almost 4,000 cliches and common expressions. Each entry includes the meaning of the cliche or expression, its origin and early uses, the historical development, and its present-day usage. This comprehensive reference is fully indexed and cross-referenced.

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!

Why do we say "no dice" when refusing someone's request? What do clouds and their ‟silver linings" have to do with our hopes and troubles? Why are some people born with a "silver spoon" in their mouth? What does it truly mean to be a "jack of all trades?" Like many people, you've probably used idioms or phrases like these without giving them a second thought. But if you were to take a moment to step back and learn about them, you'll be pleasantly surprised to discover the mesmerizing and sometiames outright bizarre origins to these fun sayings! In Why Do We Say That, we have curated 101 regularly used idioms, proverbs, turns of phrases, and colloquial terms that have the most fascinating backstories. For each phrase, we have explained how it was coined, how its use evolved through the ages, and how it gained its contemporary use. Inside you will discover: - Why people go "green with envy" instead of a different color - How "knocking on wood" gives you good luck - Why some people talk a lot of "mumbo jumbo" - How "Bob" can be everyone's uncle - Why someone would want to be a "devil's advocate" - And much, much more! Click the BUY NOW button at the top of the page to unravel the mysteries behind popular English idioms.