Red Herrings And White Elephants: The Origins of the Phrases We Use Every Day

Hardback

Main Details

Title Red Herrings And White Elephants: The Origins of the Phrases We Use Every Day
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Albert Jack
Physical Properties
Format:Hardback
Pages:304
Dimensions(mm): Height 205,Width 135
Category/GenreLanguage - reference and general
ISBN/Barcode 9781789465624
ClassificationsDewey:428
Audience
General

Publishing Details

Publisher John Blake Publishing Ltd
Imprint John Blake Publishing Ltd
Publication Date 28 October 2021
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Have you ever wondered what phrases such as 'square meal', 'load of old codswallop', 'egg on your face' or 'in the limelight' really mean? The English language is littered with expressions like these which we all use every day, but never stop to wonder where they came from . . . Red Herring and White Elephants delves deep into the fabric of English phraseology and in doing so explores the wide-ranging factors and fascinating linguistic history which continues to inform the way we speak to this day. In this journey through the richest regions of the English language, the origins of hundreds of common phrases are brought to light and the incredible history behind the words we use every day is revealed. From the drop of a hat to the bitter end - you'll be surprised and intrigued, and you'll never speak English in the same way again.

Author Biography

Albert Jack is a writer and researcher in pop culture whose favourite phrase is doolally'. He is 39 years old and has two children.