Humble Pie and Cold Turkey: English Expressions and Their Origins (I Used to Know That ...)

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PRF06

Product Description

Humble Pie and Cold Turkey: English Expressions and Their Origins (I Used to Know That ...) by Caroline Taggart

The huge variety of colourful phrases contained in the English language are notoriously varied and, often, notably odd. From blue-blooded (an invention of aristocratic Spaniards) to limelight (a way of lighting Victorian theatres), passing an exam with flying colours (an image from sailing ships) to winning hands down (from horse racing), the fascinating expressions that make up our language are explored in Humble Pie and Cold Turkey.

In this highly entertaining book, language enthusiast and Sunday Times best-selling author Caroline Taggart browses through thousands of years of history to shed light on why we use the words and phrases we do. Arranged by themes including food, the household, childhood, romance and more, this intriguing book looks at the origins of our language from their historical context. For example, did you know that:

  • If you rest on your laurels, you’re imitating a complacent Roman general?
  • If you eavesdrop, you’re likely to get wet?
  • If you’re taken aback, you should, strictly speaking, be a sailing ship?
  • If you’re galvanized into action, you’re behaving like Frankenstein’s monster?

Humble Pie and Cold Turkey will prompt you to question the downright bizarre idioms we use to express ourselves, and answer questions you may never have thought to ask. Including why turkeys need to be cold and how pies came to be humble.

  • Language

    Miscellaneous

  • Book Binding

    Paperback

  • Book Dimensions

    15.24 x 1.27 x 20.32 cm

  • Book Genre

    Reference

  • Book ISBN

    9781789295146

  • Book Page Count

    192

  • Book Publication Date

    16 Feb. 2023

  • Book Publisher

    Michael O'Mara

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