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

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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