The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable
Author: Elizabeth Knowles
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Total Pages: 816
Release: 2006-10-12
Genre: Reference
ISBN: 0191578568

This Dictionary is part of the Oxford Reference Collection: using sustainable print-on-demand technology to make the acclaimed backlist of the Oxford Reference programme perennially available in hardback format. What is a ham-and-egger? What are Anglo-Saxon attitudes? Who or what is liable to jump the shark? Who first tried to nail jelly to the wall? The answers to these and many more questions are in this fascinating book. Here in one volume you can track down the stories behind the names and sayings you meet, whether in classic literature or today's news. Drawing on Oxford's unrivalled bank of reference and language online resources, this dictionary covers classical and other mythologies, history, religion, folk customs, superstitions, science and technology, philosophy, and popular culture. Extensive cross referencing makes it easy to trace specific information, while every page points to further paths to explore. A fascinating slice of cultural history, and a browser's delight from start to finish. What is the fog of war? Who first wanted to spend more time with one's family? When was the Dreamtime? How long since the first cry of Women and children first? Where might you find dark matter? Would you want the Midas touch? Should you worry about grey goo?

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable
Author: Elizabeth M. Knowles
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Total Pages: 598
Release: 2003
Genre: Reference
ISBN: 9780192801258

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable is a new reference work, providing a wealth of fascinating and informative background detail for over 10,000 phrases and allusions used in English today. Drawing from Oxford's unrivalled bank of language and quotation on-line resources, this highly browsable pot pourri of allusive terms includes entries from a broad range of topics, from classical mythology, history, religion, folk customs, superstitions, science and technology, philosophy,and popular culture. From African Eve to white van man, from Barbie doll and bunny boiler to the big bang theory, the dictionary gives reliable, up-to-date insights into the origin and history of words and phrases, with ample cross-referencing.

Oxford Dictionary of Idioms

Oxford Dictionary of Idioms
Author: John Ayto
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 876
Release: 2020-06-18
Genre: Reference
ISBN: 0192584383

What is it to 'cock a snook', where is the land of Nod, and who was first to go the extra mile? Find the answers to these questions (and many more!) in the new edition of the Oxford Dictionary of Idioms. This dictionary uncovers the meanings of myriad phrases and sayings that are used daily in the English language, encompassing more than 10,000 figurative expressions, similes, sayings, and proverbs. More than 400 idioms have been added to this new edition, and comprise recently coined and common sayings alike. New additions include 'back of the net', 'drag and drop', 'go it alone', 'how come?', 'if you ask me', 'make your skin crawl', and 'woe betide'. Illustrative quotations sourced from the Oxford corpora give contextual examples of the idioms and their standard usage, and many entries include background information on the origins of the idiom in question. An updated thematic index makes for easy navigation, and anyone who is interested in the origins and diversity of English vernacular will have hours of fun browsing this fascinating dictionary.

Brewer's Dictionary of London Phrase & Fable

Brewer's Dictionary of London Phrase & Fable
Author: Russ Willey
Publisher: Chambers
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2009
Genre: English language
ISBN: 9780550104458

From the Bloomsbury Group to the Camberwell Carrot, Emperor Claudius to Ken Livingstone and Oranges and Lemons to apples and pears,Brewer's London Phrase & Fableis a must for all Londoners, visitors and anyone who's ever succumbed to the allure of the Big Smoke.In the spirit of the respected and much-lovedBrewer's Dictionary of Phrase & Fable, this new book brings together the people, places, language and lore of London, conveying the essence of Britain's capital with wit, erudition and a wealth of fascinating detail.Whether you're a Londoner through and through, a newly-arrived citizen, a frequent visitor or you prefer to experience this bustling and cacophonous city from the safety of your armchair,Brewer's London Phrase & Fablebrings the heart and soul of London to your bookshelf.

Little Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs

Little Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs
Author: Elizabeth Knowles
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 469
Release: 2016-10-06
Genre: Reference
ISBN: 0191084247

Little Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs features over 2,000 proverbs and sayings from around the world, arranged across 250 subjects - from 'Books' and 'Borrowing' to 'Dreams' and 'Drink'. Each theme has a short introduction giving an overview of the proverbial treatment of the topic and each proverb is accompanied by information on its date, source, and meaning. Not only is this book a pleasure to browse but it is ideal for quick reference with its comprehensive index that makes it easy to find the exact phrase you're looking for. Beautifully produced and designed, it is the perfect gift for anyone who loves language. Drawing on Oxford's ongoing dictionary research and language monitoring, the second edition of this delightful book adds phrases that have come to prominence, or increased in popularity, since publication of the first edition, such as 'Never waste a good crisis' and 'Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have', which add a contemporary flavour to the selection of more traditional English proverbs, and the popular sayings used in the English-speaking world from Asia, Africa, Middle East, and many other cultures. Find phrases on all aspects of life in this fascinating little book.

The Oxford Dictionary of Modern Slang

The Oxford Dictionary of Modern Slang
Author: John Ayto
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Total Pages: 324
Release: 2005-01-01
Genre: Reference
ISBN: 9780198610526

A dictionary of modern slang draws on the resources of the "Oxford English Dictionary" to cover over five thousand slang words and phrases from throughout the English-speaking world.

Concise Oxford English Dictionary

Concise Oxford English Dictionary
Author: Angus Stevenson
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Total Pages: 1728
Release: 2011-08-18
Genre: Reference
ISBN: 0199601119

The Concise Oxford English Dictionary is one of the most popular choices in Oxford's renowned dictionary line. This Luxury Edition is perfect for anyone looking to invest in a reliable resource for home, school, or office. It includes unique features such as cut thumb tabs, printed endpapers, ribbon marker, with coloured head and tailbands making it a centerpiece for all bookshelves. This centenary edition of the Concise Oxford English Dictionary Luxury Edition presents the most accurate picture of English today. It contains over 240,000 words, phrases, and definitions, providing superb coverage of contemporary English, including rare, historical, and archaic terms, scientific and technical vocabulary, and English from around the world. The dictionary has been updated with hundreds of new words--including sub-prime, social networking, and carbon footprint--all based on the latest research from the Oxford English Corpus. In addition, the dictionary features an engaging new center section, with quick-reference word lists (containing, for example, lists of Fascinating Words and Onomatopoeic Words), and a revised and updated English Uncovered supplement, which examines interesting facts about the English language. Sprinkled throughout the text are intriguing Word Histories, detailing the origins and development of numerous words. The volume also retains such popular features as the hundreds of usage notes which give advice on tricky vocabulary and pointers to help you improve your use of English. Finally, the dictionary contains full appendices on topics such as alphabets, currencies, electronic English, and the registers of language (from formal to slang), plus a useful Guide to Good English with advice on grammar, punctuation, and spelling. This Luxury Edition also includes 12 months' of access to Oxford Dictionaries Online at oxforddictionaries.com.