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?
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?
Humble Pie and Cold Turkey 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.
