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Dictionary of Proverbs and Their Origins
In Dictionary of Proverbs and their Origins Linda and Roger Flavell trace the origins and histories of over 400 proverbs, detailing their meaning and usage. Changes of meaning and usage that have affected the life of each proverb are also cited. Quotations drawn from classic and popular literature help to illustrate a proverb's specific meaning or to clarify a change in meaning over time. Variant expressions of the proverb, if any, are included.
Interspersed with the proverbs themselves are short essays and vignettes on topics related to matters proverbial, including types of proverbs, misquoted proverbs, proverbs that contradict each other, the relationship between graffiti and proverbs, geographical proverbs, and the slippery psychology of the proverb. While the proverbs themselves are arranged alphabetically by theme or main word, there is a helpful index that references all the major words of each proverb.
Interspersed with the proverbs themselves are short essays and vignettes on topics related to matters proverbial, including types of proverbs, misquoted proverbs, proverbs that contradict each other, the relationship between graffiti and proverbs, geographical proverbs, and the slippery psychology of the proverb. While the proverbs themselves are arranged alphabetically by theme or main word, there is a helpful index that references all the major words of each proverb.
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First published January 1, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 10, 2022
So, you think you know proverbs?
I learned most of my proverbs from the TV on “Aesop and Son”; in the process of telling a fable, the true meaning of the proverb appears. Such as the tale of “The Winking Horse.” “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him wink.”
Of course, if you do not want to believe the program then you will need this book.
The book attempts to lay out the proverbs in alphabetical order. However, you will probably need to use the index to find the specific one you are looking for.
If you find this review not helpful then all I can say is “Sticks and stones…" :)
Then again “I might as well be hung a sheep as for a lamb.”
Just be aware that “A little learning is a dangerous thing.”
I learned most of my proverbs from the TV on “Aesop and Son”; in the process of telling a fable, the true meaning of the proverb appears. Such as the tale of “The Winking Horse.” “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him wink.”
Of course, if you do not want to believe the program then you will need this book.
The book attempts to lay out the proverbs in alphabetical order. However, you will probably need to use the index to find the specific one you are looking for.
If you find this review not helpful then all I can say is “Sticks and stones…" :)
Then again “I might as well be hung a sheep as for a lamb.”
Just be aware that “A little learning is a dangerous thing.”
September 28, 2018
It is interesting to see how some of the common things we say came in to usage.
March 11, 2023
The copy that I have is entitled "Word Power with Proverbs".
June 22, 2023
67 - 2023
April 1, 2013
I confess I used it as a 'bathroom book' to dip into as and when as I am not getting much reading time at the moment and it was ideal.
It is laid out alphabetically by the subject of proverbs, and beneath each subject is a proverb, its likely origin and earliest date and some examples, often from older books and certainly many books I have not read, but will no doubt try and dip into.
I enjoyed it, but probably won't dip into it again. It gives useful information, and is well written and presented, but it isn't something I could easily revisit.
It is laid out alphabetically by the subject of proverbs, and beneath each subject is a proverb, its likely origin and earliest date and some examples, often from older books and certainly many books I have not read, but will no doubt try and dip into.
I enjoyed it, but probably won't dip into it again. It gives useful information, and is well written and presented, but it isn't something I could easily revisit.
January 10, 2010
a good insight to the origans of some of our oldest sayings and proverbs, however is limited in the chosen proverbs.
December 31, 2013
very interesting book. I like to learn how these sayings came about.
March 3, 2011
Took a very long time to finish. The only thing I do not like about it is the many parts taken from magazines, newspapers and novels to show how the proverbs are being used. Just annoying.
November 24, 2012
I like this book very much. Make that love.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews