The Facts on File Dictionary of Cliches: Meanings And Origins of More Than 3,500 Terms And Expressions (Writers Library)

The meanings and origins of literally thousands of words and definitions come to life in a newly expanded, updated edition of a popular title, which adds hundreds of new cliches from all walks of life -including the business world as well as popular culture - and provides an indexed, cross-referenced survey of all. It's a recommended reference acquisition for both high school and college-level holdings - and many a public library will also find it important.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

After an art instructor of mine expressed a passing interest in the original meanings of expressions, I decided to search the Amazon to find him an appropriate Teacher Appreciation Day gift book. I could not believe the numerous results that popped up not only from my initial query, but from trails like "customers who bought this item also bought..." and "explore other similar items...". Jeez, who knew - and why didn't I know - that all these wonderful references existed! I picked out five of the most highly rated ones and set about vetting them for the best. The winner: the Facts on File Dictionary of Cliches.

With almost 4,000 entries, this certainly qualifies as the most extensive book of clich? listings that I've come across so far. There are a plethora of old favorites that may have their origins in the Bible, poetry, literature, or historical developments that have long since sunk into obscurity; and there are 500 newer, i.e. late 20th Century updates like "no-brainer" and "bad hair day". Each entry describes the meanings, origins and early uses (when known), development and present-day useage. The author also provides sample quotes just like "real" dictionaries do.

For my purposes, I was also searching for a clich? reference book that was both entertaining *and* brief in descriptions and explanations (my teacher is a bit dyslexic). FOFDOC was also the best compromise between those two somewhat conflicting qualities. I could have gone with Myron Korach's Common Phrases and Where They Come From, but some of the stories were a bit long-winded (clich?s are infectious, no?) and besides, it wasn't nearly as extensive at only about 500 listings. On the other hand (ooooh, there I go again!), James Rogers' Dictionary of Cliches was the closest contender in terms of quality, but still fell short (I realize now that I just can't help myself) in quantity at only @ 2,000.

I found myself referring to the FOFDOC often in the last few weeks while I waited for Teacher Appreciation Day. I am thinking of getting a copy for myself now, and by extension for my children when they'll be old enough to need a writer's reference. Now, what to do with the other four?
-Andrea, aka Merribelle