Dictionary of Proverbs: And Their Origins [Paperback]

Linda Flavell (Author), Roger Flavell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1994

The proverbs selected for this reference book, intended for anyone who delights in and studies words, all have a tale to tell. Etymologies go back to the earliest origins, though there are often conflicting accounts of how an expression came into being, and changes of meaning or usage are recorded: "Tread on a worm and it will turn" probably originated in the days when "worm" also meant "viper"; "Good wine needs no bush" is a reference to the lax interpretation of licensing laws common during 19th-century village fairs. The authors' other books include "Current English Usage" and "Dictionary of Idioms".

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square (July 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1856261417
• ISBN-13: 978-1856261418
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,368,689 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Interesting if You Love Proverbs..., March 18, 2010

By 

Bohdi Sanders, Ph.D. "author, martial artist,... (Loveland, CO) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Dictionary of Proverbs and Their Origins (Paperback)

If you enjoy proverbs and wise sayings, you will enjoy this book. It provides you with background information concerning the origins of different proverbs that you have heard all your life. This book not only provides a history of the individual proverb, but it also provides the reader with an explanation for each of the proverbs contained. I enjoyed this book very much and even refer back to it at times for interesting facts to teach my students. The only negative thing that I have to say about it is that the font size is very small and thus harder to read, but it is worth the effort. I recommend it... Interesting read.

Dr. Bohdi Sanders, author of Wisdom of the Elders