The Facts on File Dictionary of Cliches: Meanings And Origins of More Than 3,500 Terms And Expressions (Writers Library)

How can something so full of interesting facts be so dull to read? Nevertheless, it's true - pedestrian writing and inadequate editing manage to drag what should be a fascinating read down to the level of just another book stuffed with stuff. More than 4,000 cliches compiled in one fun, easy-to-use guide. Praise for the previous hardcover "...an excellent resource for word lovers...inherently fascinating and an excellent place to look for old chestnuts galore..." Library Journal "...[thorough]...Recommended..." Booklist The Facts On File Dictionary of Cliches, Third Edition is the largest, most comprehensive, and most entertaining reference of its kind. Featuring hundreds of new cliches, this updated and expanded edition explains the meanings and origins of more than 4,000 cliches and common expressions. Each entry includes the meaning of the cliche or expression, its origin and early uses, its historical development, and its present-day usage. This fully indexed and cross-referenced resource is essential for students, writers, and anyone seeking the gift of gab. New entries -"Don't go there" -"Flavor of the month" -"Ground zero" -"Not so much" -"Show me the money" -"So yesterday" -and more. Contents......Page 6 Preface to the New Edition......Page 8 Author's Note......Page 10 A......Page 12 B......Page 27 C......Page 67 D......Page 106 E......Page 130 F......Page 142 G......Page 171 H......Page 197 I......Page 218 J......Page 232 K......Page 236 L......Page 246 M......Page 271 N......Page 290 O......Page 306 P......Page 326 Q......Page 357 R......Page 359 S......Page 379 T......Page 430 U......Page 468 V......Page 475 W......Page 477 X, Y......Page 500 Index......Page 504 Meanings And Origins Of Thousands Of Terms And Expressions.--cover. This Updated And Expanded Edition Of A Popular Title Explains The Meanings And Origins Of Almost 4,000 Clichés And Common Expressions. Each Entry Includes The Meaning Of The Cliché Or Expression, Its Origin And Early Uses, The Historical Development Of The Phrase, And Its Present-day Usage. Hundreds Of New Clichés Have Been Added, Including Many From The Business World. Christine Ammer. Includes Index. Contains alphabetically arranged entries that explain the meaning, history, origin and usage of over 4,000 cliches.