Product Description

To 'put the cart before the horse', have 'the cheek of the devil' or be 'a pillar of society' - these are just some of the thousands of idioms that have become an integral part of the English language. The Penguin Dictionary of English Idioms looks at a vast range of examples, providing concise definitions and explaining how they should be used. This practical guide is arranged by theme, making it possible to compare all the idioms in that subject area and find the right one for the occasion, whether in writing or speech. The numerical mistakes mentioned by the author have been corrected, making this, as mentioned, one of the great reference classics.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #74161 in Books
• Published on: 2002-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

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 ....

About the Author
DAPHNE GULLAND is the daughter of David Hinds-Howell and has been researching idioms and their origins for a number of years. She lives in Alfter, Germany. DAVID HINDS-HOWELL was born in 1916 and educated at Marlborough College and Oxford University. He had a long and distinguished career as a teacher of English and director of the Hillcrest School of English. He died recently.

Customer Reviews

Insightful and Entertaining!
This book is recommendable to everyone who is interested in the Englsih language as well as to those which want to polish their english skills. The organisation of the idioms in categories instead of in alphabetical order is what makes this book very special in comarision to the other books on the market. Idioms are easy to find and once found you can inspire yourself while reading the other idioms in this particular category.

Most useful and entertaining as well
I find this new edition most useful and entertaining as well. The examples used are very helpful, carefully researched and documented. I book worth to be recommended to native speakers as well as to foreigners.