An entertaining guide to the wonderful world of phrases—new and old, familiar and unfamiliar. Unravel the meaning, origin, and usage of 6,000 phrases—from books, films, idioms, euphemisms, and clichés to nicknames, slogans, and quotations. For example: Who was originally "sold down the river?" Why is an exact likeness "the spitting image?" Who originally coined the term "compassion fatigue?" The author should put a "feather in his cap" for compiling this delightfully informative guide—it's a must for anyone who likes to dabble in our language's rich heritage. ‘Nigel Rees should put a 'feather in his cap' for compiling this entertaining guide. It would make a wonderful gift for anyone who likes to dabble in our language's rich heritage – “just what the doctor ordered”!’ Best of British ‘A treasury of stimulating excursions and digressions’ Guardian Nigel Rees is a leading authority on the use of well-known phrases and sayings. As a broadcaster, he is best-known as the deviser and presenter of BBC Radio's Quote…Unquote. As an author, he has written many books devoted to quotations and aspects of the popular use of the English language, always emphasizing the humour in his subject.