Cliches: Over 1500 Phrases Explored and Explained
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
Betty Kirkpatrick has complied and exhaustive dictionary--a must for writers, crossword puzzle buffs, and anyone who is intrigued by language. Sample entries from Cliches Let the cat out of the bag is an idiom cliche meaning to reveal a secret. In origin it refers allegedly to a fairground tick by which traders sold unwary buyers a cat in a bag, assuring them it was a pig. The buyers did not realize their mistake until they let the cat out of the back, by which time it was too late. Bite the bullet is an idiom cliche meaning to steel oneself to accept something distressing. In origin it probably refers to the days before anesthesia, when soldiers wounded in battle were given a lead bullet to bite on to brace themselves against the pain of surgery. Fly off the handle is an idiom cliche meaning to lose one's temper. Originally American, the expression has its origin in an ax or hammer, the handle of which becomes loosened and flies off after it has struck a blow.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0312198442
ISBN13:9780312198442
Release Date:January 1999
Publisher:St. Martins Press-3PL
Length:224 Pages
Weight:0.55 lbs.
Dimensions:0.5" x 5.5" x 8.4"
Customer Reviews
1 rating
Excellent for advanced ESL
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
I just wanted to let everyone know that the "cliches" are really all of the standard american idioms, which English second-language learners need, along with enough background and explanation to help them achieve complete understanding. It is the perfect gift and well-written idioms textbook for an ambitious learner. I am a volunteer tutor and my student is Korean, and he has devoured this book to discover the secrets behind all of those clever expressions we hear on the Sunday TV shows, and many we use in cultured banter.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
