A guide to the myriad popular expressions and sayings which are used in the English language, this dictionary explains the meanings of 1200 expressions, from traditional sayings to current jargon. Also included are catchphrases from the world of literature, journalism, television and advertising. Traditional phrases like cut the mustard or eat your heart out to rather more recent ones like small is beautiful and phew, what a scorcher are explained. The dictionary also shows the origin of the expressions and how they became popular. Literary and media catchphrases such as did the earth move for you?, drop the gun, Looey!, shome mistake, shurely, and now for something completely different and it's finger lickin' good are all explained and defined.