Common Phrases: And Where They Come From

By John Mordock and Myron Korach

Book Overview

In the tradition of Eats, Shoots & Leaves and Anguished English, Common Phrases is a fascinating guide to the origins of our language. Wonderful stories reveal the real meaning of Adam's apple, nick of time, stool pigeon, armed to the teeth, raining cats and dogs, at sixes and sevens, dog days of summer, and scores of others. With nearly 35,000 copies sold, this classic begins a new life with a fresh package and a new audience for entertaining reference books.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1599213079
• ISBN13: 9781599213071
• Release Date: July 2008
• Publisher: Lyons Press
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.2" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Great bathroom reading

If you love the origins of phrases, you'll love this book. Gives a brief history of the phrase, with interesting tid-bits. I like to read about one or two phrases at a time and save the rest for future readings. It's a book you'll return to time and time again because it is so interesting.