Bees' Knees and Barmy Armies: Origins of the Words and Phrases We Use Every Day

Description

From stiff upper lip to stomping grounds, an amusing look at the history behind commonly-used words and phrases What makes someone ""pleased as punch?"" Why is New York City called ""The Big Apple?"" Why do we ""dress to the nines?""And what does it mean to escape by the ""skin of your teeth?"" Every day speech is peppered with hundreds of phrases and expressions, but rarely are their origins contemplated. This intriguing survey delves deep into the history behind hundreds of co.;Cover; Copyright; Dedication; CONTENTS; Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1 Food and Drink; 2 Military; 3 Animals and Nature; 4 Sports and Games; 5 Politics; 6 Sartorial Matters; 7 Business and Money; 8 False Friends; 9 Law and Order; 10 Ancient Times; 11 Mind and Body; 12 Places; 13 Work; 14 Biblical; 15 Nautical; 16 Science and Technology; 17 Across the Pond; 18 Weather; 19 Arts and Entertainment; 20 Religion and Superstition; 21 Medicine; 22 Miscellaneous ... ; Index.