Cliches: Over 1500 Phrases Explored and Explained

by Betty Kirkpatrick

Betty Kirkpatrick has complied and exhaustive dictionary--a must for writers, crossword puzzle buffs, and anyone who is intrigued by language.

Sample entries from Cliches

Let the cat out of the bag is an idiom cliche meaning to reveal a secret. In origin it refers allegedly to a fairground tick by which traders sold unwary buyers a cat in a bag, assuring them it was a pig. The buyers did not realize their mistake until they let the cat out of the back, by which time it was too late.

Bite the bullet is an idiom cliche meaning to steel oneself to accept something distressing. In origin it probably refers to the days before anesthesia, when soldiers wounded in battle were given a lead bullet to bite on to brace themselves against the pain of surgery.

Fly off the handle is an idiom cliche meaning to lose one's temper. Originally American, the expression has its origin in an ax or hammer, the handle of which becomes loosened and flies off after it has struck a blow.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Betty Kirkpatrick, also known as E.M. Kirkpatrick, a British writer and lexicographer & prominent editor of several dictionaries and thesauruses

Reviews

[Jennifer Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love knowing the meaning behind trite cliches. The author used the word "hackneyed" WAY too much for my liking.

[Andromeda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading every page.

[Steven Spector · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only a great reference work, but one that makes you think about what you say and when you say it. How do you like them apples?