Why Do We Say That? 101 Idioms, Phrases, Sayings & Facts! A Brief History On Where They Come From!

Why Do We Say That? 101 Idioms, Phrases, Sayings & Facts! A Brief History On Where They Come From!
Author: Scott Matthews
Publisher:
Total Pages: 122
Release: 2021-09-04
Genre:
ISBN: 9781922531261

Why do you "call shotgun" when you want the front passenger seat? What does "letting the cat out of the bag" have to do with divulging secrets? Why do you ask people to "cut to the chase"? How come you hear all those juicy rumors "through the grapevine"? Like many people you've probably used idioms or phrases like these without giving them a second thought. But if you were to take a moment to step back and learn about them you'll be pleasantly surprised to discover the mesmerizing and sometimes outright bizarre origins to these fun sayings! In "Why do we say that," we have curated 101 of the most regularly used idioms, proverbs, turns of phrases, and colloquial terms that have the most fascinating backstories. For each phrase, we have explained how it was coined, how its use evolved through the ages, and how it gained its contemporary use. Inside you will discover: What the sanitary conditions of 17th century London have to do with it's "raining cats and dogs" today. Why taking things "with grain of salt" has to do with an ancient remedy for poison. What Southeast Asian warrior traditions have to do with the term "to run amuck." Why "to break a leg" became something worth aspiring to in the Elizabethan theatres. And many many more Click the BUY NOW button at the top of the page to unravel the mysteries behind popular English idioms.

Why Do We Say That? 101 Idioms, Phrases, Sayings & Facts! The Origins & History Of Your Favorite Colloquial Terms, Expressions, Phrases & Proverbs

Why Do We Say That? 101 Idioms, Phrases, Sayings & Facts! The Origins & History Of Your Favorite Colloquial Terms, Expressions, Phrases & Proverbs
Author: Scott Matthews
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2023-10-18
Genre:
ISBN: 9781922531841

Have you ever wondered why we say "pardon my French" when we use a swear word or inappropriate language? Curious about the origins of the phrase "on his last legs" and how it came to describe someone or something that is in a state of decline or near the end? Have you ever been intrigued by the origin of the idiom "storm in a teacup" and how it came to symbolize a situation that's blown out of proportion? Do you know the history behind the saying "twist someone's arm" and how it became a metaphor for persuading or convincing someone to do something against their will? Join us on a delightful journey through the history of language! Why Do We Say That? is your gateway to discovering the intriguing stories and cultural significance of 101 commonly used idioms and phrases that infuse our conversations with charm and intrigue. Explore the hidden gems behind the expressions you've heard but never fully understood. Gain an appreciation for the richness of language and the tales that shaped these popular phrases, leaving you equipped with captivating knowledge to share with others. Within the pages of this book, you will: Unravel Language Riddles: Decode the enigma of idioms and phrases that have puzzled you for ages, giving you a fresh perspective on their meanings. Master Everyday Language: Elevate your communication skills by wielding these expressions with confidence and precision in your conversations. Enhance Cultural Connection: Gain insights into different cultures as we explore how idioms reflect the values, customs, and history of various societies. Delight in Language Trivia: Engage in fun-filled language trivia that will not only entertain but also expand your knowledge of colloquial expressions. Embrace Language Evolution: Travel through time to see how these expressions have evolved, weaving their way into our modern lexicon. Whether you're a language enthusiast, a trivia lover, or simply curious about the origins of idioms, Why Do We Say That? is your passport to a world of linguistic wonders. Join us on this delightful expedition and become a connoisseur of expressions that color our everyday conversations. Secure your copy now and set out on an exciting linguistic adventure!

Common Phrases

Common Phrases
Author:
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 203
Release:
Genre:
ISBN: 1599216833

Everyday Phrases

Everyday Phrases
Author: Neil Ewart
Publisher:
Total Pages: 162
Release: 1983
Genre: English language
ISBN: 9780713713541

Explains the meaning and implication of 400 phrases commonly used throughout the English-speaking world, such as: eager beaver and sour grapes.

The Great Book of American Idioms

The Great Book of American Idioms
Author: Lingo Lingo Mastery
Publisher: Independently Published
Total Pages: 229
Release: 2019-10-13
Genre:
ISBN: 9781699654316

Do you feel that it's "like pulling teeth" when you want to learn new sayings? Would you like to be able to discover new American idioms and phrases that will make communication "a piece of cake"? Sure, you can learn English with a language course or a textbook just fine, and climb up the ranks in terms of your grasp of the language... but are you sure you can talk like a native? For starters, many expressions used by fluent speakers of English can't exactly be learned in a book, and it can be frustrating to realize that your formal learning hasn't been enough to teach you the way people talk in real life. Sometimes, it's all about having the right tools at your disposal... and this is where The Great Book of American Idioms comes in! Written to act as a powerful addition to your other English-learning resources, this book will allow you to: Discover over 1300 different idioms and sayings, covering hundreds of different subjects Learn the correct definition and usage of each expression, ensuring that you know exactly when you can say them out loud during a conversation Visualize examples of the sayings in common conversations, helping you understand their context Take advantage of important tips we provide you in the introduction and conclusion of the book, so that you can boost your learning and get a much better understanding of the English language. What are you waiting for? Over 1300 idioms and expressions are awaiting you! Don't miss out on learning why this "dark horse" will help you "see the big picture"!

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Idoms and Phrasal Verbs

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Idoms and Phrasal Verbs
Author: Richard A. Spears
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
Total Pages: 1100
Release: 2006-02-03
Genre: Foreign Language Study
ISBN: 0071486852

Learn the language of Nebraska . . .and 49 other states With more entries than any other reference of its kind,McGraw-Hill’s Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs shows you how American English is spoken today. You will find commonly used phrasal verbs, idiomatic expressions, proverbial expressions, and clichés. The dictionary contains more than 24,000 entries, each defined and followed by one or two example sentences. It also includes a Phrase-Finder Index with more than 60,000 entries.

101 American English Idioms

101 American English Idioms
Author: Harry Collis
Publisher: McGraw-Hill
Total Pages: 130
Release: 1987-02-09
Genre: Foreign Language Study
ISBN: 9780844254463

An introduction to American colloquialisms through the use of explanatory dialogue or narrative.

Word Origins And How We Know Them

Word Origins And How We Know Them
Author: Anatoly Liberman
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 336
Release: 2009-04-13
Genre: Reference
ISBN: 0199889015

Written in a funny, charming, and conversational style, Word Origins is the first book to offer a thorough investigation of the history and the science of etymology, making this little-known field accessible to everyone interested in the history of words. Anatoly Liberman, an internationally acclaimed etymologist, takes the reader by the hand and explains the many ways that English words can be made, and the many ways in which etymologists try to unearth the origins of words. Every chapter is packed with dozens of examples of proven word histories, used to illustrate the correct ways to trace the origins of words as well as some of the egregiously bad ways to trace them. He not only tells the known origins of hundreds of words, but also shows how their origins were determined. And along the way, the reader is treated to a wealth of fascinating word facts. Did they once have bells in a belfry? No, the original meaning of belfry was siege tower. Are the words isle and island, raven and ravenous, or pan and pantry related etymologically? No, though they look strikingly similar, these words came to English via different routes. Partly a history, partly a how-to, and completely entertaining, Word Origins invites readers behind the scenes to watch an etymologist at work.

Dictionary of Proverbs and Their Origins

Dictionary of Proverbs and Their Origins
Author: Linda Flavell
Publisher: Kyle Cathie Limited
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2005
Genre: English language
ISBN: 9781856265638

This dictionary traces the origins and histories of over 400 proverbs, detailing the changes of meaning and usage that have occurred throughout each proverb's life and offering literary examples dating back over 2000 years.