Author(s): Susan Ratcliffe

Dictionaries

A rich profusion of proverbs, phrases, and quotations, arranged under a wide range of subjects, make this book the ideal place to look for an apt or pithy expression, or to explore the background of an extensive selection of related sayings and phrases. This new edition of an Oxford classic traces the links between treasured sayings in our language, and explains their varied origins. For the first time, Oxford's unique language research has identified proverbs from non-Western languages newly adopted into English, and these are featured joining a cornucopia of well-chosen words from Biblical times to the present day. A full keyword index and generous cross referencing allow the book to function both as a look-up resource and a browser's delight. A firebell in the night. - Phrase from Thomas Jefferson on Danger. Do not call a wolf to help you against the dogs. - Russian proverb on Enemies. Select a proper site for your garden and half your work is done. - Chinese proverb on Gardens. Don't sell the skin till you have caught the bear. - English proverb on Optimism. Whoever commands the sea, commands the riches of the world. - Walter Ralegh on The Sea.