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A Dictionary of American Idioms
 
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A Dictionary of American Idioms [Paperback]

Adam Makkai (Author), J. E. Gates (Author), Maxine Tull Boatner (Author)
4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)


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Library Binding $25.99  
Paperback $12.46  
Paperback, March 1995 --  
There is a newer edition of this item:
A Dictionary of American Idioms A Dictionary of American Idioms 4.3 out of 5 stars (6)
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Book Description

0812012488 978-0812012484 March 1995 3rd
More than 8,000 idiomatic words and phrases specific to American-style English are presented in this updated A-to-Z dictionary, complete with definitions and sample sentences. Especially useful for TOEFL test-takers and other students in America for whom English is a second language, this book explains and clarifies many of the similes and metaphors that newcomers to American English find mystifying. It is also useful to native-born Americans who are sometimes confused by regional colloquialisms encountered in reading or on TV. Idioms undergo constant change in every living language, some of them falling out of use, while new words and phrases become part of the standard vocabulary. This dictionary's new fourth edition takes account of the latest idiomatic changes and provides a solid background to informal American English.
--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.


Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

[back cover]


More than 8,000 idiomatic words and phrases specific to American-style English are presented in the new, fourth edition of this A-to-Z dictionary. Definitions and sample sentences are given with each entry. Especially useful for TOEFL test-takers and other students for whom English is a second language, this book explains and clarifies many of the similes and metaphors that newcomers to American English find mystifying. It is also useful to native-born Americans who are sometimes confused by regionalisms encountered in reading or on TV. Idioms undergo constant change in every living language, some falling out of use while new words and phrases become part of the standard vocabulary. This new edition takes account of the latest idiomatic changes and presents a solid background to informal American English. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 455 pages
  • Publisher: Barron's Educational Series; 3rd edition (March 1995)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0812012488
  • ISBN-13: 978-0812012484
  • Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1.3 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,079,570 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

6 Reviews
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4 star:
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Average Customer Review
4.3 out of 5 stars (6 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 71 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A very good reference for non-native English speakers, June 8, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: A Dictionary of American Idioms (Paperback)
I thought I knew English pretty well. But when I came to Canada and had a chance to talk to people whose first language was English, I realized that sometimes I just can't get what they mean. When someone says "I'm off the hook" what does he really mean, was he "hanging" from a hook!! After realizing that I went to a bookstore and started searching for something which would help me in this regard. Then I came across this book and after a glance, I decided to buy it. It's been more than two years and I'm still happy that I bought this dictionary. Even though I know a lot many idioms now, I still refer to this book almost daily. And it has never disappointed me!!
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book to learn the way Americans speak, February 27, 2002
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Cuban Bee Gees Fan "qbanbgfan" (Miami, Florida United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Dictionary of American Idioms (Paperback)
Idioms are always difficult. For people learning English as second language this is even harder. This book offers a detail list of idioms that people often use, with their meanings and examples. Using this book along with the "NTC's Dictionary of American Slang" helps to develop your skills in understand the way American speaks that not always is taught in school. The book is clear, perfect. I'm happy to have it in my bookcase.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Reference, June 17, 2011
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I have an earlier edition of this book and I've used it so much that the cover is bent and the pages yellowed. I find this a very good reference work when I need to know what an idiom means. One of the best features of the book is that after each definition of an idiom, the idiom is used in a sentence. This really helps one understand the meaning of the phrase. While I like this book, I don't feel it's as good as the idiom dictionary published by Houghton: that one lists a date of origin for each idiom.
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