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OverviewDid 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 third edition of the Oxford Dictionary of Idioms. The volume takes a fresh look at the idiomatic phrases and sayings that make English the rich and intriguing language that it is. This major new edition contains entries for over 6000 idioms, including 700 entirely new entries, based on Oxford's language monitoring and the ongoing third edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. These include a range of recently established idioms such as 'the elephant in the corner', 'go figure', 'like a rat up a drainpipe', 'sex on legs', 'step up to the plate', 'too posh to push', 'a walk in the park', 'win ugly'. This edition also features a greatly increased number of cross-references, making it ideal for quick reference. Many entries include additional features which give more detailed background on the idiom in question. For example, did you know that 'taken aback' was adopted from nautical terminology that described a ship unable to move forward because of a strong headwind pressing its sails back against the mast? Anyone interested in the colourful side of the English language will get hours of fun browsing from this fascinating and informative volume. Full Product DetailsAuthor: John AytoPublisher: Oxford University Press Imprint: Oxford University Press Edition: 3rd Revised edition Dimensions: Width: 12.90cm , Height: 2.60cm , Length: 19.60cm Weight: 0.532kg ISBN: 9780199543793ISBN 10: 0199543798 Pages: 416 Publication Date: 16 July 2009 Audience: General/trade , General Format: Hardback Publisher's Status: Out of Print Availability: Awaiting stock Table of ContentsReviews<br>. ..often surprising or just plain interesting...a glimpse into the way we shape ideas and make connections...make[s] it easy to become gung-ho on words. -The Philadelphia Inquirer <br><br> <br>. ..often surprising or just plain interesting...a glimpse into the way we shape ideas and make connections...make[s] it easy to become gung-ho on words. -The Philadelphia Inquirer<br><p><br> .. .often surprising or just plain interesting...a glimpse into the way we shape ideas and make connections...make[s] it easy to become gung-ho on words. -The Philadelphia Inquirer . ..often surprising or just plain interesting...a glimpse into the way we shape ideas and make connections...make[s] it easy to become gung-ho on words. -The Philadelphia Inquirer Author InformationJohn Ayto is an experienced lexicographer and author of many language titles, including The Oxford Essential Guide to the English Language, The Longman Register of New Words, the Bloomsbury Dictionary of Word Origins, Twentieth Century Words, and Wobbly Bits and Other Euphemisms. He is also editor of the latest edition of Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Tab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |