The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs PDF Author: J. A. Simpson
Publisher: Oxford [Oxfordshire] ; New York : Oxford University Press
ISBN:
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 282

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Book Description
The dictionary gives explanations of the meanings and use of proverbs whenever these are obscure. By means of numerous illustrative quotations it also provides a documentary history of each proverb from its first recorded use in written English, and supplies details of earlier related forms in other languages.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs PDF Author: J. A. Simpson
Publisher: Oxford [Oxfordshire] ; New York : Oxford University Press
ISBN:
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 282

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Book Description
The dictionary gives explanations of the meanings and use of proverbs whenever these are obscure. By means of numerous illustrative quotations it also provides a documentary history of each proverb from its first recorded use in written English, and supplies details of earlier related forms in other languages.

Little Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs

Little Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs PDF Author: Elizabeth Knowles
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0191084247
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 469

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Book Description
Little Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs features over 2,000 proverbs and sayings from around the world, arranged across 250 subjects - from 'Books' and 'Borrowing' to 'Dreams' and 'Drink'. Each theme has a short introduction giving an overview of the proverbial treatment of the topic and each proverb is accompanied by information on its date, source, and meaning. Not only is this book a pleasure to browse but it is ideal for quick reference with its comprehensive index that makes it easy to find the exact phrase you're looking for. Beautifully produced and designed, it is the perfect gift for anyone who loves language. Drawing on Oxford's ongoing dictionary research and language monitoring, the second edition of this delightful book adds phrases that have come to prominence, or increased in popularity, since publication of the first edition, such as 'Never waste a good crisis' and 'Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have', which add a contemporary flavour to the selection of more traditional English proverbs, and the popular sayings used in the English-speaking world from Asia, Africa, Middle East, and many other cultures. Find phrases on all aspects of life in this fascinating little book.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs PDF Author: John Simpson
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 9780192800022
Category : Proverbs, American
Languages : en
Pages : 316

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Book Description
Lists recorded usages and meaning for hundreds of proverbs arranged by key word, from "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" to "Youth must be served."

A Dictionary of American Proverbs

A Dictionary of American Proverbs PDF Author: Wolfgang Mieder
Publisher: New York : Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0195053990
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 1348

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Book Description
Americans have a gift for coining proverbs. "A picture is worth a thousand words" was not, as you might imagine, the product of ancient Chinese wisdom -- it was actually minted by advertising executive Fred Barnard in a 1921 advertisement for Printer's Ink magazine. After all, Americans are first and foremost a practical people and proverbs can be loosely defined as pithy statements that are generally accepted as true and useful. The next logical step would be to gather all of this wisdom together for a truly American celebration of shrewd advice.A Dictionary of American Proverbs is the first major collection of proverbs in the English language based on oral sources rather than written ones. Listed alphabetically according to their most significant key word, it features over 15,000 entries including uniquely American proverbs that have never before been recorded, as well as thousands of traditional proverbs that have found their way into American speech from classical, biblical, British, continental European, and American literature. Based on the fieldwork conducted over thirty years by the American Dialect Society, this volume is complete with historical references to the earliest written sources, and supplies variants and recorded geographical distribution after each proverb.Many surprised await the reader in this vast treasure trove of wit and wisdom. Collected here are nuggets of popular wisdom on all aspects of American life: weather, agriculture, travel, money, business, food, neighbors, friends, manners, government, politics, law, health, education, religion, music, song, and dance. And, to further enhance browsing pleasure, the editors have provided a detailed guide to the use of the work. While it's true that many of our best known proverbs have been supplied by the ever-present "Anonymous," many more can be attributed to some very famous Americans, like Ernest Hemingway, Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, Mark Twain, J. Pierpont Morgan, Thomas Alva Edison, Abigail Adams, and Ralph Waldo Emerson, to name but a few offered in this fascinating collection.Who wouldn't want to know the origin of "the opera ain't over till the fat lady sings?" This uniquely American proverb and many more are gathered together in A Dictionary of American Proverbs. A great resource for students and scholars of literature, psychology, folklore, linguistics, anthropology, and cultural history, this endlessly intriguing volume is also a delightful companion for anyone with an interest in American culture.

Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs & Sayings

Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs & Sayings PDF Author: Gregory Titelman
Publisher: Random House Reference
ISBN:
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 490

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Book Description
An annotated reference of more than 1,500 proverbs and sayings of the American language.

The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms

The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms PDF Author: Judith Siefring
Publisher: OUP Oxford
ISBN: 019157953X
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 745

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Book Description
Did you know that 'flavour of the month' originated in a marketing campaign in American ice-cream parlours in the 1940s, when a particular flavour would be specially promoted for a month at a time? And did you know that 'off the cuff' refers to the rather messy practice of writing impromptu notes on one's shirt cuff before speaking in public? These and many more idioms are explained and put into context in this second edition of the Oxford Dictionary of Idioms. This vastly entertaining dictionary takes a fresh look at the idiomatic phrases and sayings that make English such a rich and intriguing language. A major new edition, it contains entries for over 5000 idioms, including 350 new entries and over 500 new quotations. The text has been updated to include many new idioms using the findings of the Oxford English Reading Programme, the biggest language research programme in the world. The entries are supported by a wealth of illustrative quotations from a wide range of sources and periods. For example: 'Rowling has not been asleep at the wheel in the three years since the last Potter novel, and I am pleased to report that she has not confused sheer length with inspiration.' - Guardian, 2003. 'I made the speech of a lifetime. I had them tearing up the seats and rolling in the aisles.' - P.G. Woodhouse, 1940. Many entries include boxed features which give more detailed background on the idiom in question. For example, did you know that 'taken aback' was adopted from nautical terminology, and described a ship unable to move forward because of a strong headwind pressing its sails back against the mast? The text has been entirely redesigned so that it is both elegant and easy to use. Anyone interested in the quirky side of the English language will have hours of fun browsing through this fascinating and informative volume.

Oxford Dictionary of Idioms

Oxford Dictionary of Idioms PDF Author: John Ayto
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0192584383
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 876

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Book Description
What is it to 'cock a snook', where is the land of Nod, and who was first to go the extra mile? Find the answers to these questions (and many more!) in the new edition of the Oxford Dictionary of Idioms. This dictionary uncovers the meanings of myriad phrases and sayings that are used daily in the English language, encompassing more than 10,000 figurative expressions, similes, sayings, and proverbs. More than 400 idioms have been added to this new edition, and comprise recently coined and common sayings alike. New additions include 'back of the net', 'drag and drop', 'go it alone', 'how come?', 'if you ask me', 'make your skin crawl', and 'woe betide'. Illustrative quotations sourced from the Oxford corpora give contextual examples of the idioms and their standard usage, and many entries include background information on the origins of the idiom in question. An updated thematic index makes for easy navigation, and anyone who is interested in the origins and diversity of English vernacular will have hours of fun browsing this fascinating dictionary.

The Penguin Dictionary of Proverbs

The Penguin Dictionary of Proverbs PDF Author: Rosalind Fergusson
Publisher: Penguin Mass Market
ISBN:
Category : Proverbs
Languages : en
Pages : 356

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Book Description
Compiles approximately 6,000 different proverbs organized by thematic headings such as beauty, love, or weather.

Dictionary of Proverbs

Dictionary of Proverbs PDF Author: George Latimer Apperson
Publisher: Wordsworth Editions
ISBN: 9781840223118
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 656

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Book Description
This dictionary aims to help users to find the most appropriate word to use on a wide range of occasions. It is designed in particular for students, those writing reports, letters and speeches, and crossword solvers, but is also useful as a general word reference. Special features include: an alphabetical A-Z listing; numbered senses for words with more than one meaning; British and American variants; and specially marked colloquial uses.

English Proverbs and Sayings Dictionary

English Proverbs and Sayings Dictionary PDF Author: Daniel B. Smith
Publisher: Daniel B. Smith
ISBN:
Category : Study Aids
Languages : en
Pages : 187

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Book Description
The main objective of this book is to provide you an impressive and invaluable collection of English proverbs and sayings with their explanations included, so as to enrich your English knowledge. A proverb is a simple, concrete, traditional saying that expresses a perceived truth based on common sense or experience. Proverbs are often metaphorical and use formulaic language. Collectively, they form a genre of folklore. Knowing these proverbs and sayings will enhance your English skills. Thus you will be able to communicate better. Proverbs are found in a wide variety of contexts. You may have noticed them in songs, in film titles or even in newspaper headlines. It is important to remember that proverbs and sayings are sometimes used when speaking both formally and informally. This book has more than 1,400 proverbs and sayings for you to discover or rediscover. At the end of this book, as a bonus for you, I have chosen and wrote 327 most famous English quotations. You may find them quite inspiring…