Synopsis
A comprehensive guide to 3,000 cliches explains the meanings of such phrases as "give the devil his due" and "gild the lily," and traces the history of these expressions
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Reviews
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.
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Have a Nice Day- No Problem! A Dictionary of Clichés
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Dutton (edition First Edition), 1992
ISBN 10: 0525933948
ISBN 13: 9780525933946
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Have a Nice Day- No Problem! A Dictionary of Clichà s
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Have a Nice Day- No Problem! A Dictionary of Clichà s
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Have a Nice Day- No Problem! A Dictionary of Clich�s
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Have a Nice Day - No Problem : A Dictionary of Cliches
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Penguin Publishing Group, 1992
ISBN 10: 0525933948
ISBN 13: 9780525933946
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Have a Nice Day- No Problem! A Dictionary of Clich�s
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Have a Nice Day- No Problem! A Dictionary of Clichà s
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Have a Nice Day- No Problem! A Dictionary of Cliches
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Hardcover. Condition: Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good. First Edition. No Stock Photos! We photograph every item. ex-library with usual markings; Wake up and smell the coffee, language lovers! Here's the newest, biggest, most informative collection available of the most reviled of verbal formulas: the cliche. Most cliches started life as phrases so picturesque and quotable that they were quoted, over and over and over. With 3,000 cliches, this popular reference is the very "last word" on the subject. Seller Inventory # 058491
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HAVE A NICE DAY - NO PROBLEM: A DICTIONARY OF CLICHES
Seller: Columbia Books, ABAA/ILAB, MWABA, Columbia, MO, U.S.A.
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1992 Ammer, Christine HAVE A NICE DAY - NO PROBLEM: A DICTIONARY OF CLICHES NY: Charles E Dutton, c1992 Second printing 454pp, index Lg 8vo Fine hardcover copy in fine d/j. Seller Inventory # 78485
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Have a Nice Day - No Problem!: A Dictionary of Cliches
Published by
Dutton, New York, 1992
ISBN 10: 0525933948
ISBN 13: 9780525933946
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Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Abacus Bookshop, Pittsford, NY, U.S.A.
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hardcover. Condition: Fine copy in fine dust jacket. 1st. 8vo, 454 pp. Seller Inventory # 052622