The Illustrated Histories of Everyday Expressions: Discover the True Stories Behind the English Language's 64 Most Popular Idioms (Etymology Book, History of Words, Language Reference Book, English Grammar and Idioms, Gift for Readers)

by James McGuire, Alex Kalomeris (Illustrator)

Overview

The Illustrated Histories of Everyday Expressions uncovers the fascinating, humorous, and often unbelievable origin stories behind the English language's most common sayings!

Nobody thinks twice about sayings like bite the bullet and the cat's out of the bag. But the strange and wonderful origins of these expressions are far from arbitrary: They are rooted in forgotten history. Within this book, you will discover the origins of idioms like:

• Why we say an unwell person is under the weather. It goes back to when sickly sailors and seafarers had to rest below deck!
• How come sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle is called riding shotgun." In the Wild West, passengers had a crucial job: packing heat and preventing highway robberies!
• What's up with the phrase, cat got your tongue. Here's a hint: It doesn't have anything to do with cats!

With over 100 pieces of original artwork, The Illustrated Histories of Everyday Expressions is as beautiful as it is entertaining and informative. Read up on this fascinating history of the English language's 64 most popular idioms, and you will know what it really means when you say pass with flying colors, bury the hatchet, and rest on your laurels!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781732512603
Publisher:	Cider Mill Press
Publication date:	01/28/2019
Series:	Illustrated Histories
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	223,218
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

James McGuire is a writer, editor, and inveterate word hound. When he is not collecting idioms and obscure words, you can find him mastering his mini golf game or taking long walks with his beloved Newfoundland pup, Brumus. He Lives in St. Louis, Missouri, where you might say his home is his castle.

Alex Kalomeris is an illustrator, printmaker, and all around storyteller. His work revolves around creating narratives, characters, and impressions. Nautical, natural and nostalgic themes show up in his work and are an integral part of his identity as an artist. If he cannot be found in his studio, he is probably out wandering the forests and hills of his home.