An engaging historical exploration of the bizarre words and phrases that are sprinkled throughout the English language.
The huge variety of colorful 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 bestselling 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?
eavesdrop
, you’re likely to get wet?
If you’re
taken aback
, you should, strictly speaking, be a sailing ship?
galvanized into action
, you’re behaving like Frankenstein’s monster?
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.