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The Real McCoy
The Real McCoy
the True Stories Behind Our Everyday Phrases
Hole, Georgia
Hole, Georgia
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Book
, 2005
Current format, Book, 2005, , Available .
Book
, 2005
Current format, Book, 2005, , Available . Offered in 0 more formats
In alphabetical entries from "A1" to "cry wolf" and "spin a yarn," relates the origins of many common, colorful expressions in English.
In alphabetical entries from "A1" to "cry wolf" and "spin a yarn," Hole succinctly relates the intriguing origins of many common, colorful expressions in English. The book also includes a section focusing on thematically-linked idioms, e.g. phrases of Biblical or sports' origin, and those coined by Shakespeare. Hole is the coeditor of the Oxford English Minidictionary. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
English is incredibly rich language, full of colorful and unusual phrases and expressions. This entertaining book illuminates the question of why we say the things we say.
The Real McCoy
gives the fascinating stories behind hundreds of the most interesting and commonly used idioms in the
English language-from 'black sheep' to 'mad hatter' they're all here. Each phrase has been thoroughly researched to uncover its origins and the way it has been used in the past. The book includes a section focusing on idioms linked by a common theme, such as phrases coined by Shakespeare, nautical
phrases, or phrases with Biblical origin.
Written in a lively and approachable style,
The Real McCoy
includes specially commissioned cartoons to illustrate the idioms making this great book a truly entertaining look at the colorful side of the English language.
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English language — Terms and phrases.
English language — Etymology.
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Oxford, England ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2005.
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