Endangered Phrases: Intriguing Idioms Dangerously Close to Extinction
by: Steven D. Price (0)
As the world changes, so does languageĀ .Ā .Ā . An A-to-Z guide to expressions from yesteryear that are becoming increasingly scarce.
Ā āPerson to personā (and āstation to stationā), ābar sinister,ā āthe weed of crime bears bitter fruit,ā ābetween the devil and the deep blue sea,ā āwill oā the wisp,ā āpoor as Jobās turkeyā . . . these are just a few phrases that were once part of everyday speech. However, due to the evolving nature of language and numerous cultural changes, there are hundreds of phrases poised on the brink of extinction.
Ā Can such endangered phrases be saved? Steven D. Price, award-winning author and keen observer of the passing linguistic scene, answers in this challenging and captivating compilation filled with definitions and discussions of the history behind the phrases. It is sure to increase your appreciation of the English languageās ebb and flowāand enhance your own vocabulary along the way.
Ā āPerson to personā (and āstation to stationā), ābar sinister,ā āthe weed of crime bears bitter fruit,ā ābetween the devil and the deep blue sea,ā āwill oā the wisp,ā āpoor as Jobās turkeyā . . . these are just a few phrases that were once part of everyday speech. However, due to the evolving nature of language and numerous cultural changes, there are hundreds of phrases poised on the brink of extinction.
Ā Can such endangered phrases be saved? Steven D. Price, award-winning author and keen observer of the passing linguistic scene, answers in this challenging and captivating compilation filled with definitions and discussions of the history behind the phrases. It is sure to increase your appreciation of the English languageās ebb and flowāand enhance your own vocabulary along the way.