Dictionary of American Idioms

[back cover] More than 8,000 idiomatic words and phrases specific to American-style English are presented in the new, fourth edition of this A-to-Z dictionary. Definitions and sample sentences are given with each entry. Especially useful for TOEFL test-takers and other students for whom English is a second language, this book explains and clarifies many of the similes and metaphors that newcomers to American English find mystifying. It is also useful to native-born Americans who are sometimes confused by regionalisms encountered in reading or on TV. Idioms undergo constant change in every living language, some falling out of use while new words and phrases become part of the standard vocabulary. This new edition takes account of the latest idiomatic changes and presents a solid background to informal American English.Makkai, Adam is the author of 'Dictionary of American Idioms', published 2004 under ISBN 9780764119828 and ISBN 0764119826.