Title: Common Phrases and Where They Come From

Author: Myron Korach

Publisher: The Lyons Press 2001

Genre: Nonfiction - Language

Pages: 188

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual); Dewey Decimal - 400s

In the tradition of Eats, Shoots & Leaves and Anguished English, Common Phrases is a fascinating guide to the origins of our language. Wonderful stories reveal the real meaning of Adam’s apple, nick of time, stool pigeon, armed to the teeth, raining cats and dogs, at sixes and sevens, dog days of summer, and scores of others. With nearly 35,000 copies sold, this classic begins a new life with a fresh package and a new audience for entertaining reference books.

Not quite so fascinating. Or maybe it would be if I didn't already know the stories behind many of the phrases in the book. I think I've read too much to fully enjoy this volume. Not bad, just not for me.