figures of speech

An alphabetical listing of common figures of speech, along with their definitions and origins.

Defines more than four hundred idioms from the English language.

Provides definitions and countries of origin of slang and colloquial words and phrases used in the English-speaking world; arranged alphabetically from A to Izzy.

The animals collect words for their collections, including words in rhymes and songs.

Tells the stories behind over one thousand animal words and expressions used in everyday language; grouped in nine animal categories including cats, dogs, domestic fowl, farm animals, wild mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, insects, and marine animals.

Whimsical illustrations and everyday examples provide an explanation for peculiar idioms such as "I'm tickled pink!".

Whimsical illustrations and everyday examples provide an explanation for curious idioms such as "It's as clear as a bell!".

Explains the meanings behind a variety of common idioms and bizarre sayings, and offers an example of each phrase in a brief dialogue.