An entertaining and informative look at the words and phrases we use
most often - and the stories of where they came from. In this highly
entertaining book, language enthusiast and 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, home, 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? From blue-blooded (an invention of aristocratic Spaniards) to
limelight (a way of lighting Victorian theaters), passing an exam with
flying colors (another image from sailing ships) to winning hands down
(from horse racing), Humble Pie and Cold Turkey will answer questions
you may never have thought to ask. Including why turkeys need to be cold
and how pies came to be humble. Perfect for: - Word nerds - Trivia fans