Idioms in the News - 1,000 phrases, real examples

by Peter Bengelsdorf

Americans love to use idioms, phrases that are colorful and mysterious. Whether you are a native English speaker or learning the language, you will find this book useful and entertaining. Using examples from news accounts, Idioms in the News investigates how the 800-pound gorilla got mixed up with the elephant in the room. It shows why greasing someone's palm may not be messy but may be illegal. And it explains where mumbo jumbo came from.
Idioms in the News is written by Peter Bengelsdorf, a former newspaper editor and executive. It was inspired by students in his English classes for immigrants, and by the word "hunker," which no one ever uses except in the phrase "hunker down."

Genres: Language

999 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2012

Reviews

[Kim Jeonghoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

어차피 이건 처음부터 정독하는 책은 아니니깐.

영어 문서를 읽다 보면 분명 단어 하나하나 빼놓고 보면 다 아는 단어인데 전체 맥락이 이해가 안 될 때가 많다. 그게 다 idiom 때문인데,

예를 들면 add, up 둘 다 아는 건데 add up 하면 "말이 된다" 이렇게 뜻밖의 뜻이 나온다든지.... 이런 식.

그냥 idiom만 줄줄줄 적어놨으면 이해가 되다가 마는데 실제로 쓰였던 뉴스 기사 예문을 서너개씩 실어놔서 이해도 쉽고 용례도 익히기 좋게 되어 있다. 하루에 몇 개씩 슬슬 공부하다 보면 영어 독해 실력이 팍팍 늘 것만 같다. 강추.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Amazon reviews:
"real insight to our English language"
"This treasure is a rare find among idiom books."
"clear, compelling, and somewhat addictive."

From Smashwords reviews:
"really great book for English learner like me"
"It explains the origin of these everyday phrases in a witty way."
"a wonderful tool for anyone who wishes to take advantage of the power of idioms"