What do you think?
Rate this book
So to Speak: 11,000 Expressions That'll Knock Your Socks Off
Engage with everyday expressions in a completely different (and fun!) way, with this entertaining and interactive book of common phrases that can turn a humdrum gathering into a raucous game night.
We use expressions and idioms all the time. When you feel sick, you’re “under the weather.” When you feel great, you’re “on top of the world.” But whether you’re a “smart cookie” or a tough one, you—and almost everyone you know—have a veritable smorgasbord of expressions stored deep in your brain.
So to 11,000 Expressions That’ll Knock Your Socks Off is the largest collection of its kind. Thoughtfully divided into sixty-seven categories—from Animals to Food & Cooking, from Love to Politics, this reference guide may have more in common with an activity book!
Don’t look for definitions and etymologies, because the book is just the beginning. So to Speak is the launchpad for your lifelong journey to explore the universe of expressions. In fact, it’s designed to get readers off the page—and engaging with each other through word games and puzzles. So to Speak spurs discussion, debate, and play, while encouraging the art of listening and celebrating the joy of words.
Authors Shirley and Harold Kobliner spent more than half a century nurturing and teaching children. So to Speak is a reflection of their deeply held belief that regardless of a person’s age, the most impactful learning happens when you’re having fun.
Whether it’s grandparents teaching their favorite expressions to their grandkids, teens helping adults with the latest lingo or slang, or millennials indulging in their love of wordplay and games, this is the perfect book for any lover of language.
We use expressions and idioms all the time. When you feel sick, you’re “under the weather.” When you feel great, you’re “on top of the world.” But whether you’re a “smart cookie” or a tough one, you—and almost everyone you know—have a veritable smorgasbord of expressions stored deep in your brain.
So to 11,000 Expressions That’ll Knock Your Socks Off is the largest collection of its kind. Thoughtfully divided into sixty-seven categories—from Animals to Food & Cooking, from Love to Politics, this reference guide may have more in common with an activity book!
Don’t look for definitions and etymologies, because the book is just the beginning. So to Speak is the launchpad for your lifelong journey to explore the universe of expressions. In fact, it’s designed to get readers off the page—and engaging with each other through word games and puzzles. So to Speak spurs discussion, debate, and play, while encouraging the art of listening and celebrating the joy of words.
Authors Shirley and Harold Kobliner spent more than half a century nurturing and teaching children. So to Speak is a reflection of their deeply held belief that regardless of a person’s age, the most impactful learning happens when you’re having fun.
Whether it’s grandparents teaching their favorite expressions to their grandkids, teens helping adults with the latest lingo or slang, or millennials indulging in their love of wordplay and games, this is the perfect book for any lover of language.
288 pages, Paperback
First published December 8, 2020
61 people are currently reading
4133 people want to read
About the author
Shirley Kobliner
1 book40 followersShirley Kobliner, along with her husband Harold, spent more than half a century nurturing and teaching children in various settings. So to Speak is a reflection of their passion for education and their deeply held belief that the best and most lasting learning is accomplished when people are having fun. Shirley received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Queens College and was a chemistry teacher in a number of New York City high schools. She was a fierce advocate for students with disabilities and was one of the earliest supporters of and participants in the Association for Neurologically Impaired Brain Injured Children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
October 22, 2020
The cover and concept of this book first attracted me. It's always fun learning the history behind expressions. Unfortunately, assuming that two authors who have spend more than fifty years educating people would provide background or history to these phrases was my first mistake. The book is nothing more than a list of phrases broken down into categories with no explanation, background, usage, etc. It's simply a list. After the first chapter, I thought it would get better or maybe they would explain their favorite phrases in context, but that was my second mistake. From first page to last page, the book didn't improve.
Thank you NetGalley and Tiller Press for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.
Thank you NetGalley and Tiller Press for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.
November 1, 2020
3⭐️
It was cool beans that I got this cute book to review. So I won’t dilly-dally around with it. The book was plain old fun to read. It gave many example of word play all laid out it categories.
But the icing on the cake was the illustrations. Nothing spectacular but fun to go through. I realized I used most of these words, so to speak.
Thank you NETGALLEY and the publisher for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review. ♥️
It was cool beans that I got this cute book to review. So I won’t dilly-dally around with it. The book was plain old fun to read. It gave many example of word play all laid out it categories.
But the icing on the cake was the illustrations. Nothing spectacular but fun to go through. I realized I used most of these words, so to speak.
Thank you NETGALLEY and the publisher for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review. ♥️
October 10, 2020
So so hard to read. Literally just a book of phrases and words. Did not find it enjoyable at all. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
xx-dnf-skim-reference
November 14, 2021A reference book of clichés.
Well, ok, a bit more than that. Category headings are illustrated expressions, so a reader can guess what expression is depicted.
The intro. describes 25 games that can be played with family or friends. If I could get a group together some of them might be fun. You'd probably want to own your own copy if you do have a group or large enough family. Do you have time to buy it before Thanksgiving?
The story of the creation of the book is the sweetest, though: Harold finished it after Shirley died after 65 years of marriage.
Skimmed November 2021
Well, ok, a bit more than that. Category headings are illustrated expressions, so a reader can guess what expression is depicted.
The intro. describes 25 games that can be played with family or friends. If I could get a group together some of them might be fun. You'd probably want to own your own copy if you do have a group or large enough family. Do you have time to buy it before Thanksgiving?
The story of the creation of the book is the sweetest, though: Harold finished it after Shirley died after 65 years of marriage.
Skimmed November 2021
January 20, 2021
I will interview an author's family member, Beth Kobliner, and have received the book for review purposes.
That said, I loved this book.
My family and I read it out loud and we have shared it frequently with friends.
The book brings us all together, laughing and enjoying the memories of these important expressions, what they mean (younger family members haven't heard some), and why important.
Great book! So much FUN!
That said, I loved this book.
My family and I read it out loud and we have shared it frequently with friends.
The book brings us all together, laughing and enjoying the memories of these important expressions, what they mean (younger family members haven't heard some), and why important.
Great book! So much FUN!
December 31, 2020
Super fun coffee table book for anyone who enjoys a good turn of phrase! Awesome family games with wordplay as well!
December 16, 2020
I was disappointed that this was a list-I was hoping for some interesting tidbits about certain sayings, especially the more archaic ones. That's my bad-I should have read a preview before I bought the book. However, I am always disturbed when a professionally published book contains blatant spelling errors.
January 11, 2024
Whether you’re a sharp cookie or not the brightest crayon in the box, I’d bet dollars to donuts that your language is chock-full of sayings. Idioms are an inescapable part of communication, often lurking in our writing and speech without our notice. In this fun collection, a husband and wife team have compiled thousands of common (and many less common) expressions, divided into more than sixty distinct and very clever categories.
The story behind this book (told in the introduction) is almost as wonderful as the book itself: Shirley and Harold Kobliner were two former educators who dedicated years of their retirement to collecting this list of expressions. Every one of the 11,000 expressions in the book is one they heard or saw or used themselves; they relied on input from friends and family members, but never consulted the internet for their project! Shirley died in 2016, but Harold continued with the project in honor of his wife.
This is not a book about the history or meaning of expressions (though I would love to read that!). Rather, it is intended to be a “launchpad for your lifelong journey to explore the universe of expressions.” The tome, which largely contains straightforward lists, drew my attention to the high volume of expressions in my own vocabulary as I read SO MANY expressions that I knew and/or use; the range and volume of these expressions enhanced my appreciation for language and has me paying more attention to my own writing and speech.
The book is filled with humorous drawings illustrating veracious phrases, as well as ideas for puzzles and games that can be played using this book as a guide. With this game component and attractive cover, it would make a great gift. It also has excellent teaching potential; I had fun discussing some of these with my kids and we could easily make a year-long curriculum out of the content this provides.
My Rating: 4 Stars // Book Format: Print
The story behind this book (told in the introduction) is almost as wonderful as the book itself: Shirley and Harold Kobliner were two former educators who dedicated years of their retirement to collecting this list of expressions. Every one of the 11,000 expressions in the book is one they heard or saw or used themselves; they relied on input from friends and family members, but never consulted the internet for their project! Shirley died in 2016, but Harold continued with the project in honor of his wife.
This is not a book about the history or meaning of expressions (though I would love to read that!). Rather, it is intended to be a “launchpad for your lifelong journey to explore the universe of expressions.” The tome, which largely contains straightforward lists, drew my attention to the high volume of expressions in my own vocabulary as I read SO MANY expressions that I knew and/or use; the range and volume of these expressions enhanced my appreciation for language and has me paying more attention to my own writing and speech.
The book is filled with humorous drawings illustrating veracious phrases, as well as ideas for puzzles and games that can be played using this book as a guide. With this game component and attractive cover, it would make a great gift. It also has excellent teaching potential; I had fun discussing some of these with my kids and we could easily make a year-long curriculum out of the content this provides.
My Rating: 4 Stars // Book Format: Print
January 24, 2021
This is a full book. This is going to become a whole family book. I have skimmed this book but it will take a long time and many rereads to ever be refinished with it. It has family games to play.
I was embarrassed one time talking to a foreign visitor one time when, it felt like every other sentence seemed to have an expressions that they wouldn't have a clue to its meaning. It felt like I could not help myself. It was sad.
I do enjoy expressions they colour our conversions with shortcuts to vivid meanings with few words. They define our language roots and country locations.
I have been reading the categories looking for my favorite's. I have notices this was written from a eastern American view. We use "Can't change the spots on a leopard" versus the books "changing the strips on a tiger." I also no found some of my favorites expressions "rare as hens teeth" ; "travel on shank's mare"; "dumb chuck"; "bird brain"; "fungus among us"; "turkey shoot" or "too big for your britches".
The list goes on and I'm still looking to see if they are hidden in the book. I can not wait to visit my grandkids with this book. The whole family will enjoy it. I may have to Google Meet.
I was embarrassed one time talking to a foreign visitor one time when, it felt like every other sentence seemed to have an expressions that they wouldn't have a clue to its meaning. It felt like I could not help myself. It was sad.
I do enjoy expressions they colour our conversions with shortcuts to vivid meanings with few words. They define our language roots and country locations.
I have been reading the categories looking for my favorite's. I have notices this was written from a eastern American view. We use "Can't change the spots on a leopard" versus the books "changing the strips on a tiger." I also no found some of my favorites expressions "rare as hens teeth" ; "travel on shank's mare"; "dumb chuck"; "bird brain"; "fungus among us"; "turkey shoot" or "too big for your britches".
The list goes on and I'm still looking to see if they are hidden in the book. I can not wait to visit my grandkids with this book. The whole family will enjoy it. I may have to Google Meet.
February 17, 2021
Bored to tears! This book is nothing more than a list of expressions, easily found by an internet search.
I expected information and history of some of the expressions.
Even the way the authors categorized the idioms is illogical. It looks like they put the list in Excel and sorted on words in common. Useless.
How this book ever got published baffles me. It is a poor excuse for the authors to make a buck.
I expected information and history of some of the expressions.
Even the way the authors categorized the idioms is illogical. It looks like they put the list in Excel and sorted on words in common. Useless.
How this book ever got published baffles me. It is a poor excuse for the authors to make a buck.
October 22, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had high hopes for this book but it was somewhat disappointing. While the lost of expressions was great, o feel like the book would've been much better with a description of what the expressions mean. The beginning of the book gives a lot of game ideas that might be appealing to some people.
I had high hopes for this book but it was somewhat disappointing. While the lost of expressions was great, o feel like the book would've been much better with a description of what the expressions mean. The beginning of the book gives a lot of game ideas that might be appealing to some people.
December 16, 2020
I received a free physical copy of this book through a giveaway hosted on GoodReads.
So To Speak is a very interesting book to flip through. It was not what I was expecting when I entered the giveaway for it, but nonetheless, I am happy to have received it. Sorted by subject matter, this book lists more idioms and common sayings than any person could probably list on their own, which makes sense as the authors had combed through multiple sorts of media and enlisted the help of family members to create what probably seemed like a comprehensive list of the English-language expressions we use in every day life, and there are still one or two I thought of while skimming through the lists that I believed they missed. That is alright, though, as I also found over 200 expressions that I was not familiar with and wrote down for later research, as well as finding hours of fascination observing all the ways that we as humans express ourselves using colorful language and imagery to make out conversations more interesting.
When I first saw this book show up in the Giveaways section, I had assumed it was a sort of dictionary of idioms, which would have been useful for me as a writer. It was not, but what I instead found was a linguistic journey that I probably enjoyed much more than I would have the sort of reference guide I had thought it to be As stated above, this book lists thousands of sayings on every conceivable subject matter, from sports and games to nature and space, and even includes sections of the authors' favorite family sayings and pages for readers to record their own. It also has interesting and amusing illustrations to break up the text and provide a visual representations of a few of the more colorful expressions they had found, as well as a list of games that can be played using the book to work your brain and expand your knowledge of the English language. I have not had the prleasure of trying out any of the games yet, but as my fianceee majored in linguistics, I am sure they will be happy to give them a shot with me once the pandemic has ended. As such, if you and your friends or family have a fascination with language and want to put it to the test, or if you're just interested in expanding your own repertoire of expressions, I highly recommend buying this book, even if all you end up doing is flipping through it once in a while for a smile. No matter how you end up using it, it will definitely be worth it!
So To Speak is a very interesting book to flip through. It was not what I was expecting when I entered the giveaway for it, but nonetheless, I am happy to have received it. Sorted by subject matter, this book lists more idioms and common sayings than any person could probably list on their own, which makes sense as the authors had combed through multiple sorts of media and enlisted the help of family members to create what probably seemed like a comprehensive list of the English-language expressions we use in every day life, and there are still one or two I thought of while skimming through the lists that I believed they missed. That is alright, though, as I also found over 200 expressions that I was not familiar with and wrote down for later research, as well as finding hours of fascination observing all the ways that we as humans express ourselves using colorful language and imagery to make out conversations more interesting.
When I first saw this book show up in the Giveaways section, I had assumed it was a sort of dictionary of idioms, which would have been useful for me as a writer. It was not, but what I instead found was a linguistic journey that I probably enjoyed much more than I would have the sort of reference guide I had thought it to be As stated above, this book lists thousands of sayings on every conceivable subject matter, from sports and games to nature and space, and even includes sections of the authors' favorite family sayings and pages for readers to record their own. It also has interesting and amusing illustrations to break up the text and provide a visual representations of a few of the more colorful expressions they had found, as well as a list of games that can be played using the book to work your brain and expand your knowledge of the English language. I have not had the prleasure of trying out any of the games yet, but as my fianceee majored in linguistics, I am sure they will be happy to give them a shot with me once the pandemic has ended. As such, if you and your friends or family have a fascination with language and want to put it to the test, or if you're just interested in expanding your own repertoire of expressions, I highly recommend buying this book, even if all you end up doing is flipping through it once in a while for a smile. No matter how you end up using it, it will definitely be worth it!
March 18, 2023
You can tell this book was a labor of love between the two authors who put it together. As it says in the introduction, it took 13 years to compile the lists. The lists are separated into categories and pretty much alphabetized within each category, so it is easy to find a particular expression. However, I can't help but think that when the lists were complete, they all sat around and said, "What do we do with this now?" So they came up with some very standard "word" games to use with the lists. I had initially hoped that there would be some history behind the expressions. I understand that doing that for 11000 would have been almost impossible - it would be a dictionary of sorts then, but I certainly didn't think it would be a book that was just one long list. A quick peruse is fun, especially for an older reader like me who is familiar with almost all of the expressions. However, beyond that, I don't see much use for this book.
October 5, 2020
If we're going by book-creation stories, this one wins, hands down. Harold Kobliner and his wife Shirley compiled and categorized this collection of fun phrases and creative expressions over more than a decade with help from family and friends. After Shirley's death four years ago, Harold pressed on to see their years of work reach publication.
My only complaint - there's no explanation of what the phrases mean! Admittedly, most are one's the average person has likely heard at least once in their lives, or can be figured out (ie., saved by the bell or clown around). But what about "hornswoggle"? How fun to say - I'd like to work it into my daily vocab, but I won't find out what it means in this volume.
But it was still an interesting read. P.S. The games ideas to play with this book make it a fun choice even for a kiddo who isn't the book-loving type!
My only complaint - there's no explanation of what the phrases mean! Admittedly, most are one's the average person has likely heard at least once in their lives, or can be figured out (ie., saved by the bell or clown around). But what about "hornswoggle"? How fun to say - I'd like to work it into my daily vocab, but I won't find out what it means in this volume.
But it was still an interesting read. P.S. The games ideas to play with this book make it a fun choice even for a kiddo who isn't the book-loving type!
March 14, 2021
Princess Fuzzypants here: There are some books that can transcend any format be it printed or electronic or audio. Others are at a decided disadvantage in one or another format. This book is clearly one that requires the printed page. It was not what I had anticipated but a book filled with lists of expressions. The was very little in the way of context but it would make a good base for a game, which the authors suggest at the beginning of the books.
They suggest flipping through the book for a specific category and then having teams come up with as many of the expressions as they can dredge up. It could be an amusing way to spend a rainy afternoon or an evening with friends. However, as a book, to be read and savoured, it did not do it for me.
Possibly it was my mistake in expecting more.
Either way, I was disappointed..
Two purrs and one paw up.
They suggest flipping through the book for a specific category and then having teams come up with as many of the expressions as they can dredge up. It could be an amusing way to spend a rainy afternoon or an evening with friends. However, as a book, to be read and savoured, it did not do it for me.
Possibly it was my mistake in expecting more.
Either way, I was disappointed..
Two purrs and one paw up.
January 12, 2021
I received this in a Good reads contest and am under no obligation to give a good review.
To be honest I am glad this was a win; the book is not what I thought it would be. I thought the authors would give you a expression and then some background information on how this expression came to be. Instead the Kobliners just list expression after expression with no background information. They took the time to divide the expressions into categories which will aide in playing the 25 games that are listed in the beginning of the book . The book is interesting and different and I will pass it on to my adult daughter who often hosts game night but I was disappointed because I thought it was something entirely different.; my fault. I appreciate the opportunity to review this .
To be honest I am glad this was a win; the book is not what I thought it would be. I thought the authors would give you a expression and then some background information on how this expression came to be. Instead the Kobliners just list expression after expression with no background information. They took the time to divide the expressions into categories which will aide in playing the 25 games that are listed in the beginning of the book . The book is interesting and different and I will pass it on to my adult daughter who often hosts game night but I was disappointed because I thought it was something entirely different.; my fault. I appreciate the opportunity to review this .
October 31, 2020
Great for Writers!
So to Speak is an enjoyable and extensive resource designed by two educators.
Writers, word nerds and lovers of language will especially appreciate this collection.
It is essentially a list book of more than eleven thousand phrases and expressions.
The categorizing of the phrases based on key words is a creative choice.
Unfortunately, So to Speak lacks the derivations and meanings of the phrases. This is unsatisfying.
Included are 25 games based on the phrases in So to Speak. Parents and children may find these fun and educational.
So to Speak is an enjoyable and extensive resource designed by two educators.
Writers, word nerds and lovers of language will especially appreciate this collection.
It is essentially a list book of more than eleven thousand phrases and expressions.
The categorizing of the phrases based on key words is a creative choice.
Unfortunately, So to Speak lacks the derivations and meanings of the phrases. This is unsatisfying.
Included are 25 games based on the phrases in So to Speak. Parents and children may find these fun and educational.
November 26, 2020
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
I was excited when I won this book because we have a house full of writers and thought this would be a good reference for everyone. It certainly did not disappoint. It’s filled with lingo and jargon that will be good for all of our writing styles. Many of the expressions I had heard of but the book was filled with so many that I hadn’t which made the experience fun.
I love the back story as to why it was written. This would be a good reference book as well as a quirky coffee table book.
I was excited when I won this book because we have a house full of writers and thought this would be a good reference for everyone. It certainly did not disappoint. It’s filled with lingo and jargon that will be good for all of our writing styles. Many of the expressions I had heard of but the book was filled with so many that I hadn’t which made the experience fun.
I love the back story as to why it was written. This would be a good reference book as well as a quirky coffee table book.
December 10, 2020
I found this book to be such a treat, beginning to end. The story behind it is so wonderful: Harold and Shirley Kobliner were both educators in the New York public school system who began this project as a hobby, and ended up creating the largest collection of its kind. The book itself is beautifully arranged into fun categories, with gorgeous illustrations. There's a huge games section, with a bunch of fun games I'm looking forward to playing with my family. This book would make a perfect Christmas gift or birthday present for the word lover in your life!
January 20, 2021
This book was very enjoyable. The authors clearly put a lot of time and effort into this book and that was truly shown. The front cover really caught my eye with the many pictures shown to symbolize different expressions. I could easily find expressions I was looking for because the expressions and phrases were grouped into different category’s. It was also very interesting to see the authors process of writing the book on the inside of the cover. Overall I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it.
November 27, 2020
This book oozes charm! The clever turns of phrase, the heartwarming story of its development, and the old-fashioned and wholesome recommendations for language-based family activities are a win for me. And it's beautiful! The illustrations are beautifully selected and made me laugh out loud in several places. I don't own any other book that is this consistently entertaining by just opening up to a random page. Will definitely be gifting to my friends with brainy families.
December 2, 2020
I'm a big fan of language books (starting with Tooth & Nail, the SAT prep book I read in high school), and this one does not disappoint. Great images, fun chapters, and a lot of material explaining how to use the book and where it comes from. I keep trying to think of expressions the authors missed, but haven't succeeded yet...I can't imagine the patience and time it took to put all this together!
December 11, 2020
So to Speak provides the gift of gab for the holiday season. This thorough compilation of expressions sparks conversation and game-play while bridging the age gap. It has inspired my family to put down our phones and strike up a conversation, leading to honest to goodness fun! The beautiful illustrations serve as brain teasers to solve the expressions they represent. I especially love the handwritten lists that line the inside cover. Thank you to the authors for this labor of love.
January 20, 2021
Family Fun!!
We had a great time going through all of the different expressions. Many of them jogged fond memories. We also enjoyed thinking of expressions and flipping through to see if the book had them. It was very challenging to come up with expressions that weren’t already chosen by the authors. This book of many expressions collected over many years is a true work of love. Highly recommend.
January 27, 2021
Shirley and Harold Kobliner's So to Speak is a categorized listing of 11,000 idioms and occasional cartoon drawings to guess the expressions. I hoped there would be more context or explanation, but this is just a listing. It is quite thorough though and it doesn't look like there were any idioms left out!
(**I received a free copy of this book from Tiller Press in exchange for an honest review.)
(**I received a free copy of this book from Tiller Press in exchange for an honest review.)
November 4, 2020
This book is both hilarious and enlightening! There are all these old photos throughout that make it really fun. I don't really get the chapters, but I think that's kind of the point. Have even tried playing some of the games in the book with family members, and it was pretty fun! It stands on its own as a resource for these games. Highly recommended to language-loving families!
November 11, 2020
Great book for my family and me. It reminded us of our favorite expressions growing up (like "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree"). Doesn't have definitions, but most of these you'll recognize...and it's fun guessing the ones you don't and then looking them up. All around fun, and funny pictures too.
December 1, 2020
I challenge anyone to read this book without smiling. Like sense memories, these expressions bring you back! The vintage images are an especially nice touch. Speech-Language pathologists, drama teachers, english teachers, ESL teachers and parents or care givers of any kind will love this book. Highly recommend!
December 12, 2020
What a fun book for word lovers. : ) A massive collection of expressions and figures of speech. So fun to look through with kids. Every page starts a conversation. Makes you appreciate how colorful (and kooky) the English language can be. Totally love the old-fashioned illustrations too. Good vibes all around!
December 15, 2020
Received this book as an ARC from a Goodreads contest and as a thank you I’m writing a review!
This book is super cute! My husband and I had so much fun going through this book, surprisingly I knew more than I thought I would!
I would recommend this to anyone who has a quirky sense of humor, maybe a bookworm or someone who studies English :)
This book is super cute! My husband and I had so much fun going through this book, surprisingly I knew more than I thought I would!
I would recommend this to anyone who has a quirky sense of humor, maybe a bookworm or someone who studies English :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews