The Real McCoy: The true stories behind our everyday phrases [Hardcover]

Georgia Hole (Editor)

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Product Details

Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Oxford University Press (Sep 20 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0192806114
ISBN-13: 978-0192806116
Product Dimensions: 22 x 14.8 x 2 cm
Shipping Weight: 113 g
Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #934,756 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Product Description

From Booklist

The foreword to this alphabetical arrangement of "everyday phrases" points out that "metaphorical expressions and allusions give life and vibrancy" to language and "have done so for as long as anyone can remember." Indeed, the origin of many sayings has long since faded into obscurity, although the phrase itself may still be in wide use. Hole intends to fill that gap with this appealing book, which reveals the sometimes-surprising origins of some of our favorite sayings. Starting with A1 (first used in 1775) and ending with spin a yarn(a nautical term), Hole provides a brief definition followed by the phrase's history, usage, and variation in meaning over time. Shaded panels throughout also group expressions by theme, such as colors (caught red-handed), eating and drinking (days of wine and roses), and parts of the body (down in the mouth). A particularly interesting section covers the remarkable number of less-famous expressions attributable to Shakespeare, such as to your heart's content and at one fell swoop. Addictive reading for verbivores and fine browsing material for everyone else. Joanne Wilkinson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

`The Real McCoy might just be the perfect cure to a long day at the office.' Alex Trembath, The Big Issue in the North

`The book is amusingly illustrated and concludes with a Thematic Index, ranging alphabetically from Action to Work and employment. It is a delight and educational to dip into.' Day By Day

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Inside This Book (Learn More)

First Sentence
This informal expression has an interesting origin. Read the first page

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Concordance

Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com ^(beta)

Amazon.com: 3.5 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars enlightening, Nov 4 2006

By Kirk Alex - Published on Amazon.com

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This review is from: The Real McCoy: The true stories behind our everyday phrases (Hardcover)

Loved the book. Full of interesting info about your favorite phrases. A fun read.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars The Real McCoy, Jan 7 2008

By Pam - Published on Amazon.com

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This review is from: The Real McCoy: The true stories behind our everyday phrases (Hardcover)

This book was a disappointment because many of the sayings in it are not used anymore. I was hoping it would have more modern day sayings. The few ones that are there are good. This book would probably be more useful to the older generations (prior to baby boomers), as they have probably heard and/or used more of these sayings then newer generations have.

› Go to Amazon.com to see both reviews 3.5 out of 5 stars