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Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms, 3rd Edition

Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms, 3rd Edition

Author: John Ayto
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 9780199543786
Published In: July 2011
Format: Paperback
Jurisdiction: U.K. ? Disclaimer:
Countri(es) stated herein are used as reference only

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Description
Contents
Author
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Details

Contains over 6,000 idioms from all over the English-speaking world
Hundreds more idioms than the nearest competition
Hundreds of illustrative quotations, both modern and historical, offer readers a clear idea of how the phrases can be used
Extra features offer fascinating additional information for many entries
Accessible and elegant design that makes the text easy to navigate, including a much increased number of cross-references, ideal for quick reference
The book draws on the latest findings of Oxford's language monitoring, the largest dictionary research programme in the world
A clear and concise introduction written by the editor, explaining and summarizing the key features of idioms

New to this edition

Hundreds of additional headwords and senses to reflect new research and new terms
Updated design
Features a thorough thematic index, allowing readers to easily locate idioms by topic, such as Courage, Expense, or Opportunity

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.

Readership: This title has appeal in many sections of the market, including general trade, lovers of words, and students of English language or literature.

Preface
Dictionary
Thematic Index

John Ayto, Freelance

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