The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs

by Edited By J. A. Simpson

From Roman times to the computer age, proverbs have added spice to our language. In The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs, an abridgement of The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Proverbs, over 1,000 of these popular phrases are listed by main word, with a documentary history of each from its first recorded use, numerous illustrative quotations, and details of earlier related forms in other languages. The only dictionary to record and describe the modern proverb throughout the English-speaking world, this book focuses on proverbs known in the twentieth-century and thus provides a valuable resource for modern word-lovers and phraseologists.

Genres: Reference, Language, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published February 24, 1983

Reviews

[Alok Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reference book for anyone who wants to know more about the world's most famous English proverbs (mostly). The book contains a very large number of entries and does not disappoint the readers in giving details, meanings and possible attribution.

[Harry Harman]

If something can go wrong or be misinterpreted, it will’

Commonly known as Murphy's Law, If an aircraft part can be installed incorrectly, someone will install it that way.

It is BETTER to be born lucky than rich

BIG fish eat little fish

The BIGGER they are, the harder they fall

A BIRD in the hand is worth two in the bush

in the COUNTRY of the blind, the one-eyed man is king

a RISING tide lifts all boats.

if you WANT something done, ask a busy person.

don't THROW the baby out with the bathwater.

EARLY to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise

A BIRD never flew on one wing

an IDLE brain is the Devil's workshop.

Take care of the PENCE and the pounds will take care of themselves.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This looks like an interesting book. Most of the Proverbs seem to me to be English proverbs. Unfortunately I was looking for Chinese proverbs so it's hard for me to say how good it is in terms of meeting any specific need. But if you like to know the sources of common sayings, this book would be interesting to read through. It seems very thorough and well done.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book for a dollar at a recent library book sale. It’s an amusing little thing – great for nighttime reading. Centuries ago, students were taught to memorize long list of proverbs (until someone finally realized that many of these nuggets of wisdom contradicted each other.

This is hardly a comprehensive listing of proverbs. I can think of a few that are not included. (I.e., You can’t put the toothpaste back into the tube.) But it is interesting to see the origins of some I knew, and hear some that were new to me (Shrouds have no pockets – i.e., you can’t take it with you).

This is a light, entertaining read for anyone interested in language and unusual expressions, but it is also designed to be a reference work to look up the origin of a proverb using one of the key words. I only wish it offered more explanations of the meanings. Some just left me baffled.