Synopsis
The English language is riddled with phrases that are complete nonsense. Ever met "a monkey's uncle," seen a "red-handed" thief, or "put a sock in it" when asked? You knows the real meaning of these common expressions, but do you know where, why, and how these idioms entered America's vernacular in the first place? Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red uncovers and explains the amazing and bizarre origins of 400 such phrases. Breezy and fun to read, this book of word trivia is far from being just an etymological dictionary. As if he were unraveling 400 little mysteries, the author reveals the backstory of each expression and tells how they've gained their new meanings. For example, you will enjoy following the exploits of the Marquis of Waterford. Was it the Mad Marquis' drunken excess and paint-brush wielding fun in the town of Melton Mowbray that inspired so many to "paint the town red" even today? This question and many others will be answered within., 400 intriguing, entertaining, and often hilarious etymological journies English is filled with curious, intriguing and bizarre phrases. This book reveals the surprising, captivating and even hilarious origins behind 400 of them, including: - Read between the Lines - Cat Got Your Tongue? - Put a Sock in It - Close, but No Cigar - Bring Home the Bacon - Caught Red-Handed - Under the Weather - Raining Cats and Dogs Perfect for trivia and language lovers alike, this entertaining collection is the ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language., 400 intriguing, entertaining, and often hilarious etymological journies English is filled with curious, intriguing and bizarre phrases. This book reveals the surprising, captivating and even hilarious origins behind 400 of them, including: * Read between the Lines * Cat Got Your Tongue? * Put a Sock in It * Close, but No Cigar * Bring Home the Bacon * Caught Red-Handed * Under the Weather * Raining Cats and Dogs Perfect for trivia and language lovers alike, this entertaining collection is the ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language., Discover hundreds of intriguing, entertaining, and often hilarious origins to the English language's most curious phrases in this fascinating trivia book from bestselling author Andrew Thompson. English is filled with curious, intriguing and bizarre phrases. This book reveals the surprising, captivating and even hilarious origins behind 400 of them, including: - Read between the Lines - Cat Got Your Tongue? - Put a Sock in It - Close, but No Cigar - Bring Home the Bacon - Caught Red-Handed - Under the Weather - Raining Cats and Dogs Perfect for trivia and language lovers alike, this entertaining collection is the ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language., 400 intriguing, entertaining, and often hilarious etymological journiesEnglish is filled with curious, intriguing and bizarre phrases. This book reveals the surprising, captivating and even hilarious origins behind 400 of them, including:- Read between the Lines- Cat Got Your Tongue? - Put a Sock in It- Close, but No Cigar- Bring Home the Bacon- Caught Red-Handed- Under the Weather- Raining Cats and DogsPerfect for trivia and language lovers alike, this entertaining collection is the ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.
