Interesting Stories about Curious Words From Stealing Thunder to Red Herrings |
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Author:
| Dent, Susie |
ISBN: | 978-1-3998-1167-5 |
Publication Date: | Jun 2024 |
Publisher: | Hodder & Stoughton
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Imprint: | John Murray |
Book Format: | Hardback |
List Price: | USD $24.99 |
Book Description:
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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...
More 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