The dictionary gives explanations of the meanings and use of proverbs whenever these are obscure. By means of numerous illustrative quotations it also provides a documentary history of each proverb from its first recorded use in written English, and supplies details of earlier related forms in other languages.

Little Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs features over 2,000 proverbs and sayings from around the world, arranged across 250 subjects - from 'Books' and 'Borrowing' to 'Dreams' and 'Drink'. Each theme has a short introduction giving an overview of the proverbial treatment of the topic and each proverb is accompanied by information on its date, source, and meaning. Not only is this book a pleasure to browse but it is ideal for quick reference with its comprehensive index that makes it easy to find the exact phrase you're looking for. Beautifully produced and designed, it is the perfect gift for anyone who loves language. Drawing on Oxford's ongoing dictionary research and language monitoring, the second edition of this delightful book adds phrases that have come to prominence, or increased in popularity, since publication of the first edition, such as 'Never waste a good crisis' and 'Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have', which add a contemporary flavour to the selection of more traditional English proverbs, and the popular sayings used in the English-speaking world from Asia, Africa, Middle East, and many other cultures. Find phrases on all aspects of life in this fascinating little book.

This Dictionary contains over 50,000 proverbs, in some 70 European languages and dialects, arranged in 2,500 sets. It is the fruits of over 40 years of collection and research, the only collection of proverbs on anything like this scale ever to be published anywhere in the world. Emanuel Strauss has trawled through innumerable collections of proverbs in all languages, from early printed books and rare items to the latest theses and journals, and grouped together many thousands of proverbs in sets of equivalent meaning. Comprehensive indexes for each language provide access to any proverb by way of its key words. A critical bibliography musters some 500 items, from incunabula to the current decade.

Lists recorded usages and meaning for hundreds of proverbs arranged by key word, from "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" to "Youth must be served."

Want to write attractive English or speak impressively? Does your English look dull in appearance? This dictionary will help you stop worrying! And start your communication - written or oral - leading from the front!! How? By using proverbs at appropriate places! Have a look at the book you are holding in your hand. Seeing is the first phase of believing, especially when it comes to practical usefulness of this authoritative Dictionary of Proverbs. You will find proverbs relevant to all aspects of life and learn punchy new expressions to make your point shine out - colourfully. For example, Good things come in small packages. You possibly can't have too much of a good thing with this dictionary of informative and entertaining proverbs. Special features:o Widely used popular proverbs in used in English includedo Inclusion of foreign proverbs currently in use in English languageo Arranged alphabetically from A - Zo Useful grammatical information given as Appendiceso Intended to spice up written and oral communicationThe most authoritative and up-to-date reference Dictionary of Proverbs for students, writers, script writers and general readers.

Did you know that 'flavour of the month' originated in a marketing campaign in American ice-cream parlours in the 1940s, when a particular flavour would be specially promoted for a month at a time? And did you know that 'off the cuff' refers to the rather messy practice of writing impromptu notes on one's shirt cuff before speaking in public? These and many more idioms are explained and put into context in this second edition of the Oxford Dictionary of Idioms. This vastly entertaining dictionary takes a fresh look at the idiomatic phrases and sayings that make English such a rich and intriguing language. A major new edition, it contains entries for over 5000 idioms, including 350 new entries and over 500 new quotations. The text has been updated to include many new idioms using the findings of the Oxford English Reading Programme, the biggest language research programme in the world. The entries are supported by a wealth of illustrative quotations from a wide range of sources and periods. For example: 'Rowling has not been asleep at the wheel in the three years since the last Potter novel, and I am pleased to report that she has not confused sheer length with inspiration.' - Guardian, 2003. 'I made the speech of a lifetime. I had them tearing up the seats and rolling in the aisles.' - P.G. Woodhouse, 1940. Many entries include boxed features which give more detailed background on the idiom in question. For example, did you know that 'taken aback' was adopted from nautical terminology, and described a ship unable to move forward because of a strong headwind pressing its sails back against the mast? The text has been entirely redesigned so that it is both elegant and easy to use. Anyone interested in the quirky side of the English language will have hours of fun browsing through this fascinating and informative volume.

This dictionary traces the origins and histories of over 400 proverbs, detailing the changes of meaning and usage that have occurred throughout each proverb's life and offering literary examples dating back over 2000 years.

Do you feel that it's "like pulling teeth" when you want to learn new sayings? Would you like to be able to discover new American idioms and phrases that will make communication "a piece of cake"? Sure, you can learn English with a language course or a textbook just fine, and climb up the ranks in terms of your grasp of the language... but are you sure you can talk like a native? For starters, many expressions used by fluent speakers of English can't exactly be learned in a book, and it can be frustrating to realize that your formal learning hasn't been enough to teach you the way people talk in real life. Sometimes, it's all about having the right tools at your disposal... and this is where The Great Book of American Idioms comes in! Written to act as a powerful addition to your other English-learning resources, this book will allow you to: Discover over 1300 different idioms and sayings, covering hundreds of different subjects Learn the correct definition and usage of each expression, ensuring that you know exactly when you can say them out loud during a conversation Visualize examples of the sayings in common conversations, helping you understand their context Take advantage of important tips we provide you in the introduction and conclusion of the book, so that you can boost your learning and get a much better understanding of the English language. What are you waiting for? Over 1300 idioms and expressions are awaiting you! Don't miss out on learning why this "dark horse" will help you "see the big picture"!

This authoritative dictionary is designed to help readers expand vocabulary and language skills to reach appreciative levels and then exceed that! Hence, pick up the various ways to explain the meaning of idioms, phrases and proverbs, besides interpreting figurative language, such as metaphors and similes.The volume is composed of four separate sections:1. Idioms, 2.Phrases, 3.Proverbs and 4.Metaphors and Similes Key Featureso Sentences focussed on figurative language and sayingso Includes common idioms, popular phrases, witty proverbs, metaphors and similes.o Contains hyperbole and adages at appropriate placeso Organized into A-Z format with sentences at easy and moderate levelso Allows readers to develop and then apply new skills of expressiono Aligns to the English and Foreign words currently in popular useBenefitso Produces a complete understanding of common idiomso Provides recognizing the meaning of popular phraseso Encourages readers to understand and relate to witty proverbso Develops the ability to use metaphors and simileso Introduces adage and hyperboleo Improves vocabulary and enhances knowledge of word meaningso Polishes persuasive, descriptive and narrative writing skills

Gives high school students, undergraduates, and general readers an introductory overview of proverbs in world culture.