Cliches

Over 1500 Phrases Explored and Explained

Omschrijving

Betty Kirkpatrick has complied and exhaustive dictionary--a must for writers, crossword puzzle buffs, and anyone who is intrigued by language.Sample entries from ClichesLet 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.
Gratis verzending vanaf
€ 19,95 binnen Nederland
Schrijver
Kirkpatrick, Betty, Kirkpatrick, E. M.
Titel
Cliches
Uitgever
St. Martins Press-3PL
Jaar
1999
Taal
Engels
Pagina's
224
Gewicht
272 gr
EAN
9780312198442
Afmetingen
216 x 146 x 13 mm
Bindwijze
Paperback

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