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42) Break a leg!
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English
Description
"Have you ever told someone to break a leg? What does it mean when you're on pins and needles? Learn the meaning and origin of these unusual phrases and many more in this engaging, informative book."--Publisher's website.
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English
Description
In day-to-day speech, we use words and phrases without a passing thought as to why we use them or where they come from. Max Cryer changes all that by showing how fascinating the English language really is. Did you know that the former host of Today, Jane Pauley, claims to have coined the term "bad hair day," or that a CBS engineer named Charley Douglass invented the name and use of "canned laughter" for television, or that "cold turkey" as a term...
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English
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A practical guide to using Yiddish words and expressions in day-to-day situations, along with enough grammar to enable readers to put together a comprehensible sentence and avoid embarrassing mistakes. Wex also explains the five most useful Yiddish words--shoyn, nu, epes, takeh, and nebakh--what they mean, how and when to use them, and how they can be used to conduct an entire conversation without anybody ever suspecting that the reader doesn't have...
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English
Description
"You've probably heard the expression 'when pigs fly,' but did you know that in Spain they say 'when frogs grow hair' and in Nigeria 'when chickens have teeth'? A rib-tickling collection of idioms from around the world. But the question is: will you believe them...?"--
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English
Description
However, due to our evolving language and other cultural changes, there are hundreds of phrases poised on the brink of extinction. Can such endangered phrases be saved? And if so, why? These are questions Steven D. Price, award-winning author and keen observer of the passing linguistic scene, answers in this challenging and captivating compilation. It is sure to increase your appreciation of the English language's ebb and flow-and enhance your own...
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Series
Language
English
Description
"Keep your eyes peeled! Learn the meaning and origin of this unusual saying and many more in this engaging, informative book. Colorful, humorous illustrations and clear examples help readers better understand idioms and how to use them. Additional features include a table of contents, a glossary, critical-thinking questions, sources for further research, an introduction to the author and illustrator, and an index." --
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Series
Language
English
Description
Have you ever wondered where the phrase 'the early bird catches the worm' came from? Well, let's get this show on the road and find out! Learn the meaning and origin of these unusual sayings and many more in this engaging, informative book. Colorful, humorous illustrations and clear examples help readers better understand idioms and how to use them. Additional features include a table of contents, a glossary, critical-thinking questions, sources for...
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Series
Language
English
Description
Is there a bug in your ear? What does that mean exactly? Learn the meaning and origin of this unusual phrase and many more in this engaging, informative book. Colorful, humorous illustrations and clear examples help readers better understand idioms and how to use them. Additional features include a table of contents, a glossary, critical-thinking questions, sources for further research, an introduction to the author and illustrator, and an index.
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English
Description
"Gareth Carrol presents a collection of "modern idioms", which have become a part of our vocabulary in the past 50 years or so. In most cases, idioms such as "raining cats and dogs", that colour our everyday communication, are deeply rooted in culture and history. However, just like words, new idioms emerge in language, and many have entered our vocabulary through, TV, movies and the internet. These modern idioms can be dated very precisely. Jumping...
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English
Description
Discusses those "verbal fossils" that remain embedded in our national conversation long after the topic they refer to has galloped off into the sunset. Mrs. Robinson, Edsel, "Catch-22", Gangbusters, "Alphonse and Gaston", or "Where's the beef?" are just a few of the "retroterms" that can be found in this word-lover's store of trivia and obscure references.
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Series
Language
English
Description
Birdbrain often describes an individual who is not very smart. Birdbrain dives into bird characteristics and behavior to investigate if there is truth behind this common expression. Easy-to-read text, vivid images, and helpful back matter give readers a clear look at this subject. Features include a table of contents, infographics, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.