Interesting Stories about Curious Words

From Stealing Thunder to Red Herrings

• Author(s): Susie Dent,
• Publisher: Hachette UK
• Pages: 432
• ISBN_10: 139981169X
  ISBN_13: 9781399811699
  
• Language: en
• Categories: Language Arts & Disciplines / Linguistics / General , Language Arts & Disciplines / Lexicography , Reference / Dictionaries , Language Arts & Disciplines / Reference ,

Description:...

Join Susie Dent, lexicographer extraordinaire and Queen of Countdown's Dictionary Corner, on a curious and exceedingly interesting adventure through all the very best RED HERRINGS, COCK AND BULL STORIES and NINE-DAY WONDERS in the English language.

Who was SWEET FANNY ADAMS?

What's the dramatic true story behind STEALING THUNDER?

Why is it CHANCING YOUR ARM when you take a risk?

What do bears have to do with LICKING INTO SHAPE?

Or robbers with PULLING SOMEONE'S LEG?

Why are CIRCLES VICIOUS?

And, what's so bad about a WHITE ELEPHANT?

'Nobody on earth knows more about the English language than Susie Dent' Gyles Brandreth