Dictionary of Idioms and Their Origins

by Linda Flavell, Roger Flavell

Examining the origins of everyday idioms and expressions, such as "a storm in a teacup" and "flavour of the month", this book explains their meanings and gives examples of their use. Interspersed with the individual entries are mini-essays on recurring themes - familiar phrases with nautical origins, expressions based on the macabre and on the peculiarly British view of foreigners. (Why do we have Dutch uncles and Dutch treats, but take French leave?) For the serious student, there are dates of first use and guidance on correct or current usage, while the browser and lover of words is offered a source of fascination and enjoyment. The authors' previous books include "Current English Usage".

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Language, Linguistics, Writing, History, Dictionaries

224 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 1992

Reviews

[ash ˚✧ ₊˚]

despite an exam tomorrow, i opt to delve into the book i picked for course reading of a totally different subject. cheers to procrastination!

[Boni Aditya · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book does a very good job of capturing the evolution of each of the idioms, a very good history is provided for each of the idioms. But, most of the idioms are outdated and the amount of stress upon each of the idioms is quite low i.e. apart from the etymology and two examples sentences there is nothing more added for the idiom. This isn't enough for a person to understand how the word must be used. Many example sentences that were quoted in the book aren't apt i.e. they were included only because they have the idiom in them but not because they were memorable or that the idiom occupies a greater role in that sentence. This is my complaint. The books is more of a reference book rather a guide to teach you how to use idoms. I wish the author could have put in more effort to find the apt examples. But, I would not blame the authors too, they existed in a time where there was no internet or the advent of huge searchable databases. Thus it would be unfair to call them out, the effort is a noble one but it is half-heart. They could have included more!

[Leon Kock · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, learned a lot about the English language.

[Cait · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at where these sayings come from.

As predicted, a bit of overlap between this book and the proverbs one.

Lots of entries which didn't actually tell you where the phrase came from.

The alphabetical organisation worked better in this one than in the last one.

A little out-dated, some modern sayings didn't get included and other older idioms I've never heard of did get a mention.

Will keep these books for reference.

[Kelly]

Fun!

[Sahir D'souza. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohh, this book is fanta-stick! Brilliantly superb! Wonderfully readable! Great!