Interesting Stories About Curious Words

Interesting Stories About Curious Words From Stealing Thunder to Red Herrings

Paperback (10 Oct 2024)

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Publisher's Synopsis

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

Book information

ISBN: 9781399811682
Publisher: John Murray Press
Imprint: John Murray
Pub date:
Language: English
Number of pages: 432
Weight: -1g
Height: 198mm
Width: 129mm