Why is it a good thing to be the bee’s knees? How does one become as keen as mustard? And what are people really doing when they see a man about a dog? The origins of a wide range of curious quips are unveiled in this delightful reference. The meanings of even the most nonsensical phrases are also provided in context.
Lively, exciting, full of great stories and humorous asides, this book looks at the key events in British history, covering all the important dates, people and events. Each subject is presented in short, self-contained 'articles', designed to be dipped into on the readers whim and to be interesting and accessible for everyone.
"I Before E (Except After C)" is a fun mix of reference and nostalgia, featuring all the mnemonics you'll ever need to know. Taking you back to the classroom, it contains an assortment of practical memory aids covering a range of different subjects, including:spelling • time and the calendar • mathematics • scientific formulae • historical facts • general trivia.From memorable childhood rhymes and phrases to acronyms, rules and sayings, each pithy prompt is guaranteed to amuse, inform and entertain.
The Origins and Meanings of Our Favourite Expressions
"Catchphrase, Slogan & Cliche" is for anyone seeking the meanings or originsf hundreds of the expressions that enrich our everyday speech. From phraseshat go back to Norman times, through proverbs, catch phrases and quotations,ight up to modern expressions, this book takes an informed and amusing lookt the origins of some of the more colourful sayings that passed intoveryday currency.
Sir Elton John ist unbestritten der erfolgreichste unter den Superstars der Rock-Musik: In den vergangenen 34 Jahren hat er in fast jedem Jahr ein Album herausgebracht. Der englische Exzentriker verkaufte bislang mehr Platten als Elvis Presley oder die Beatles. Mehr als 500 Songs hat diese lebende Metapher für das Außergewöhnliche komponiert oder aufgenommen und während der vergangenen drei Jahrzehnte einen fast ununterbrochenen weltweiten Erfolg gefeiert - mit mindestens 60 Hits in den Top Forty und 43 Bestseller-Alben. Die international angesehene Biografin Judy Parkinson zeichnet einfühlsam ein facettenreiches Bild der privaten und öffentlichen Person Elton John, das durch zahlreiche brilliante Fotos abgerundet wird.