Cassell's Dictionary Of English Idioms

The English language is full of peculiar and obscure expressions, some ancient, some modern. Many of them have fascinating provenances and hidden meanings.

This book is an unrivalled guide to these expressions, providing full and lucid definitions and helpful usage notes. It also gives details of the origins of many of the idioms, be they Biblical, Shakespearean, nautical, historical or derived from quotes, misquotes or misunderstandings.