The newest, biggest, and most informative collection of cliches. With 3,000 cliches, this new title in the Plume Books for Word Watchers series goes from square one to the last word on the subject. Among the many pleasures of this fascinating compendium of nearly 2,500 mini-essays is its exploration of their origin and history.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
A labor of love by a lexicographer and reference editor, this book examines some 3000 familiar expressions. First, a plain meaning is given for a term, like "singularly rare" for scarce as hen's teeth . Next follow informed remarks on history ( sink or swim began as float or sink ), though, as the author notes, the derivation of many cliches is unclear. Whether a cliche is still popular or fading is also noted. Examples of use in sources both famous (the Bible, Shakespeare, O. Henry) and obscure (S. Ford's Inez and Trilby , 1921) are generous, but out of context these snippets give little feel for actual use. Entries are on average longer than those in Eric Partridge's Dictionary of Cliches (Routledge, 1978. 5th ed.) or Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase & Fable (HarperCollins, 1989. 14th ed.). Recommended for random dipping or quick reference.
- William A. Donovan, Chicago P.L.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
- William A. Donovan, Chicago P.L.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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More About the Author
Christine Ammer is a lifelong student of language. She is the author of several dozen popular reference books, on subjects ranging from classical music to women's health. In recent decades she has concentrated on language, especially colloquial expressions. She lives and looks into words in Lexington, Massachusetts.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A superb, readable reference work!,
By
This review is from: Have a Nice Day--No Problem!: A Dictionary of Cliches (Wordwatchers) (Paperback)
As odd as this may sound for a reference work, I found (& continue to find) this book a joy to read. Ammer covers almost every known cliche, always aptly noting whether they are currently in use or on the way out ("obsolescent"). Her style is breezy & literary at the same time, & her research into origins is impressive and entertaining. This is a book I often take off my shelf - not only for clarification of cliches that wing my way, but for sheer readability. Quite a feat!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Informative but dull,
By "jackiesdog" (Sonora, Mexico) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Have a Nice Day- No Problem! A Dictionary of Clichés (Hardcover)
Informative, yes. This "dictionary" lists 3000 worn out phrases that writers ought to avoid. It gives a contemporary definition of each along with an historical background. The cover design and title suggest that the book would also provide some entertainment. It does not.
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