The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (The Oxford Reference Collection)

This Dictionary is part of the Oxford Reference Collection: using sustainable print-on-demand technology to make the acclaimed backlist of the Oxford Reference programme perennially available in hardback format.

What is a ham-and-egger?
What are Anglo-Saxon attitudes?
Who or what is liable to jump the shark?
Who first tried to nail jelly to the wall?

The answers to these and many more questions are in this fascinating book. Here in one volume you can track down the stories behind the names and sayings you meet, whether in classic literature or today's news. Drawing on Oxford's unrivalled bank of reference and language online resources, this dictionary covers classical and other mythologies, history, religion, folk customs, superstitions, science and technology, philosophy, and popular culture. Extensive cross referencing makes it easy to trace specific information, while every page points to further paths to explore. A fascinating slice of cultural history, and a browser's delight from start to finish.

What is the fog of war?
Who first wanted to spend more time with one's family?
When was the Dreamtime?
How long since the first cry of Women and children first?
Where might you find dark matter?
Would you want the Midas touch?
Should you worry about grey goo?

Elizabeth Knowles

Elizabeth Knowles, Editor of the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations, is a historical lexicographer who worked on the 4th edition of the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary. Her other editorial credits include What They Didn't Say: a Book of Misquotations (2006) and How to Read a Word (2010). She contributed to The History of Oxford University Press, and is currently working on a study of quotations in the English language for Oxford University Press.