The Facts on File Dictionary of Cliches: Meanings and Origins of Thousands of Terms and Expressions (Facts on File Library of Language and Literature)

This updated and expanded edition of a popular title explains the meanings and origins of almost 4,000 cliches and common expressions. Each entry in "The Facts On File Dictionary of Cliches, Second Edition" includes the meaning of the cliche 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 hundreds of new cliches, 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 Cliches, Second Edition" is the largest, most comprehensive, and most entertaining reference of its kind. Fully indexed and cross-referenced, this essential resource will prove invaluable for students, writers, and general readers.