Why Do We Say That? A Review of a Fun-Filled Book of Idioms
Have you ever wondered why we use phrases like “let the cat out of the bag” or “call shotgun”? If so, then Why Do We Say That is the perfect book for you! This delightful little book explores the origins of 101 of the most commonly used idioms, proverbs, and turns of phrase in the English language.
The book is a lighthearted and enjoyable read. Each idiom is explained in a clear and concise manner, and the author does a great job of highlighting the quirky, interesting, and sometimes downright bizarre origins of each phrase. For instance, have you ever wondered why we use the phrase “let the cat out of the bag” to mean revealing a secret? According to the book, the phrase has its origins in the practice of dishonest merchants who would sell unsuspecting customers a cat in a bag, only to switch it with a less valuable animal like a pig when the bag was opened. Thus, “letting the cat out of the bag” referred to this deception being exposed.
The book is full of fascinating stories like this, ranging from the weird and wonderful, to the just downright weird. For instance, did you know that the phrase “with a grain of salt” has its origins in an ancient Roman practice of taking a pinch of salt to counteract the effects of poison? Or that the phrase “to call shotgun” comes from the days of stagecoaches, when the person sitting next to the driver was responsible for carrying a shotgun to protect against bandits?
One of the book’s strengths is how easy it is to read. The author has a breezy, conversational style that makes reading the book a pleasure. The book is also well-organized, with each idiom given its own page, making it easy to flip through and explore at your own pace.
Another strength of the book is its sheer variety of idioms covered. Whether you’re interested in history, literature, or pop culture, there’s something here for everyone. From regional expressions like “bless your heart” to classics like “break a leg” (which has its origins in the superstitions of theater folk), there’s a wealth of material here to explore.
The book’s design is also worth mentioning. The cover art is bold and eye-catching, and the interior is well laid-out, with clear headings and illustrations that help break up the text. The book would make a great addition to any coffee table or bookshelf.
In conclusion, Why Do We Say That is a fun and informative book that will appeal to anyone interested in the origins of our everyday language. The book is well-written, well-designed, and full of fascinating stories and historical tidbits. If you’re a lover of language, history, or just plain old fun facts, then this is the book for you. So why not pick up a copy today and discover the weird and wonderful world of idioms for yourself? Trust us, you won’t regret it!
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Price: $6.99
(as of Mar 25, 2023 19:19:42 UTC – Details)
