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The Penguin Dictionary of English Idioms (4,000+ Idioms) (Penguin Reference Books)
 
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The Penguin Dictionary of English Idioms (4,000+ Idioms) (Penguin Reference Books) (Paperback)

by David Hinds-Howell (Author), Daphne M Gulland (Author)
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
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The Penguin Dictionary of English Idioms (4,000+ Idioms) (Penguin Reference Books) + The Penguin Dictionary of English Synonyms and Antonyms (Penguin reference) + The Penguin Dictionary of Proverbs (Penguin Reference Books)
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Product details

  • Paperback: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Penguin; 2nd Revised & Corrected edition (1 Jan 2002)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0140514813
  • ISBN-13: 978-0140514810
  • Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.7 x 2.5 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 115,203 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories:

    #4 in  Books > Reference > Language > Spelling
    #28 in  Books > Reference > Dictionaries & Thesauri > Slang & Idioms

Product Description

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.


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.'


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2 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
5.0 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful and Entertaining!, 1 Feb 2008
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.
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Most useful and entertaining as well, 2 Nov 2003
By A Customer
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.
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