Oxford Dictionary of Idioms

Author: John Ayto
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0192584383
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 876

Book Description
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.

The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms

Author: Judith Siefring
Publisher: OUP Oxford
ISBN: 019157953X
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 745

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.

Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms

Author: John Ayto
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 019954378X
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 419

Book Description
Offers entries for over six thousand idioms, including seven hundred new to this edition, and provides background information, additional cross-references, and national variants.

Oxford Idioms Dictionary for Learners of English

Author:
Publisher:
ISBN: 9783464105184
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 465

Book Description

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable

Author: Elizabeth Knowles
Publisher: OUP Oxford
ISBN: 0191578568
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 816

Book Description
This Dictionary is part of the Oxford Reference Collection: using sustainable print-on-demand technology to make the acclaimed backlist of the Oxford Reference programme perennially available in hardback format. What is a ham-and-egger? What are Anglo-Saxon attitudes? Who or what is liable to jump the shark? Who first tried to nail jelly to the wall? The answers to these and many more questions are in this fascinating book. Here in one volume you can track down the stories behind the names and sayings you meet, whether in classic literature or today's news. Drawing on Oxford's unrivalled bank of reference and language online resources, this dictionary covers classical and other mythologies, history, religion, folk customs, superstitions, science and technology, philosophy, and popular culture. Extensive cross referencing makes it easy to trace specific information, while every page points to further paths to explore. A fascinating slice of cultural history, and a browser's delight from start to finish. What is the fog of war? Who first wanted to spend more time with one's family? When was the Dreamtime? How long since the first cry of Women and children first? Where might you find dark matter? Would you want the Midas touch? Should you worry about grey goo?

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs

Author: J. A. Simpson
Publisher: Oxford [Oxfordshire] ; New York : Oxford University Press
ISBN:
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 282

Book Description
The dictionary gives explanations of the meanings and use of proverbs whenever these are obscure. By means of numerous illustrative quotations it also provides a documentary history of each proverb from its first recorded use in written English, and supplies details of earlier related forms in other languages.

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

Author: Richard A. Spears
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 0071486852
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 1100

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.

The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms

Author: Jennifer Speake
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 9780192801111
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 420

Book Description
Containing 5,000 idioms, alphabetically arranged by key word, this book covers metaphorical phrases, familiar quotations and proverbs, and similes. It provides meanings for well-known idioms such as set the world alight, cost an arm and a leg, once in a blue moon, the tip of the iceberg, andmany more. A date of origin is often given and many entries are supported by illustrative quotations from sources as varied as the Bible, Spectator, and Agatha Christie. Full of fascinating facts, this dictionary is ideal for anyone with an interest in the origins of words and phrases. --Arrangement of words alphabetically by key word means easy browsing --Focuses on British English, but also covers US English and other variants, e.g. cut to the chase and make a Virginia fence. --Histories of well-known idioms are provided

Dictionary of Proverbs and Their Origins

Author: Linda Flavell
Publisher: Kyle Cathie Limited
ISBN: 9781856265638
Category : English language
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs

Author: John Simpson
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 9780192800022
Category : Proverbs, American
Languages : en
Pages : 316

Book Description
Lists recorded usages and meaning for hundreds of proverbs arranged by key word, from "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" to "Youth must be served."