Cart
Free Shipping in Australia
Proud to be B-Corp

Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms John Ayto (Freelance)

Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms By John Ayto (Freelance)

Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms by John Ayto (Freelance)


$15.49
Condition - Very Good
Only 2 left

Summary

Get stuck into this authoritative and entertaining dictionary of English idioms. Packed with over 6,000 entries from the whole of the English-speaking world, including figurative expressions, similes, sayings, and proverbs, it really is the bee's knees. Ideal for students, learners, or anyone interested in the English language.

Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms Summary

Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms by John Ayto (Freelance)

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 third edition of the Oxford Dictionary of English 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 6,000 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.

Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms Reviews

This fascinating book reminds us how much of English is a sort of code. * Christopher Hirst, The Independent *

About John Ayto (Freelance)

John 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.

Table of Contents

PREFACE; DICTIONARY; THEMATIC INDEX

Additional information

GOR003710369
9780199543786
019954378X
Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms by John Ayto (Freelance)
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Oxford University Press
2010-07-08
416
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms