The Facts on File Dictionary of Cliches - 9780816062799

Praise for the previous edition:
"Recommended for public and academic collections."—Choice

"While several resources on clichés are currently available, this one standsapart for the large number of citations...Recommended for academic and publiclibraries."&151Library Journal

This updated and expanded edition of a popular title explains the meanings and origins of almost 4,000 clichés and common expressions. Each entry in The Facts On File Dictionary of Clichés, Second Edition includes the meaning of the cliché or expression, its origin and early uses, the historical development of the phrase, and its present-day usage.

For this second edition, the author has added approximately 500 new clichés, including many from the business world, such as "drum up," "fork over," and "go belly-up"; from the military, such as "the balloon goes up," "body count," and "mickey mouse"; and from popular novels, especially mysteries and thrillers. Other new cliches include "bells and whistles," "yada yada yada," and "whatever."

The Facts On File Dictionary of Clichés, Second Edition is the largest, most comprehensive, and most entertaining reference of its kind. Fully indexed and cross-referenced, The Facts On File Dictionary of Cliches, Second Edition is an essential resource for students, writers, and anyone seeking the gift of gab.

Each entry includes:

• The meaning of the cliche
• The cliche's origin and early uses, with examples
• The development and history of the cliche
• The cliche's present-day usage.