The Penguin Dictionary of English Idioms (Reference Books) - Softcover

Daphne M Gulland; David G Hinds-Howell

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140511350 ISBN 13: 9780140511352

Publisher: Penguin, 1998

Synopsis

It provide clear and concise definitions and explains how the idioms should be used. At the same time the dictionary's thematic arrangement makes it possible not only to study and compare all the idioms in a given subject area, but to match the right one to the right occasion. * Gives full explanations of some 4,000 phrases * Entries are grouped according to theme: for example, colours (white as a sheet), elements (air-kissing), life and death (as pale as death), clothes (verbal handbagging), war and peace (eco-warrior) * Offers a clear example of usage for each idiom, using everyday speech * Provides background information on the origins of certain expressions, such as like the measles, nutty as a fruitcake and malapropisms and spoonerisms

About this title

From the Publisher

Some sample entries:

TO BE STILL WET BEHIND THE EARS

To be naïve, inexperienced. `He will be no match for them; he is still wet behind the ears.' The phrase has its origin in children's neglect to dry themselves behind the ears.

TO GO DOWN WITH THE SHIP

To stay at one's post until the bitter end. There was a tradition that the captain should go down with his ship. When the Titanic sank (1912), both the captain and designer went down with the ship, although they were offered places in the life-boats. In modern times, the rule has been relaxed, and the captain is expected to be the last to leave the ship.

A WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING

Someone who looks respectable and harmless but whose behaviour is quite the opposite. `Young children have to be aware of strangers who are kind and generous but could turn out to be wolves in sheep's clothing, such as paedophiles.' Also used with reference to trees, plants, food, etc. `Golden Rain is a magnificent-looking tree but it is like a wolf in sheep's clothing - the seeds are extremely poisonous.'

From the Author

I`m sorry to say that the first print of the second edition has an enormous number of numerical mistakes in the last 50 pages of the Index. Penguin deeply regrets this mishap and I hope very much that no more of these copies are being sold. The index has in the meantime been corrected. Therefore, please be sure to buy only the second edition where it says: Reprinted with amended index 2002. This amended second edition has been highly recommended by the Good Book Guide in the October 2002 magazine as one of those great classic reference works ....

Edition details

• Publisher: Penguin
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0140511350
• ISBN 13: 9780140511352
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 300