Description
Why is a burdensome or useless possession called 'a white elephant? What is the origin of the expression 'to bury the hatchet'? How did the phrase 'busman's holiday' come about?
The English language is packed with apparently bizarre phrases whose origins are often shrouded in the mists of obscurity. This fascinating book takes a fresh look at some 400 of them, exploring the precise meaning of expressions as diverse as 'a piece of cake' and 'shanks' pony', and tracing their history back to its source. Folk traditions, myths and legends, professions, trades and individuals are all shown to have made their mark on the language, and their varied contributions are fully and entertainingly described. Both a handy reference tool and an engrossing read, Cassell Everyday Phrases is ideally suited for anyone intrigued by the English language or puzzled by its more unusual features.
