Oxford Dictionary Of English Idioms 3rd John Ayto by John Ayto 9780199543786, 019954378X instant download after payment.

The volume takes a fresh look at the idiomatic phrases and sayings that
make English the rich and intriguing language that it is. This major new
edition contains entries for over 6,000 idioms, including 700 entirely
new entries, based on Oxford's language monitoring and the ongoing third
edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. These include a range of
recently established idioms such as 'the elephant in the corner', 'go
figure', 'like a rat up a drainpipe', 'sex on legs', 'step up to the
plate', 'too posh to push', 'a walk in the park', 'win ugly'. This
edition also features a greatly increased number of cross-references,
making it ideal for quick reference. Many entries include additional
features which give more detailed background on the idiom in question.
For example, did you know that 'taken aback' was adopted from nautical
terminology that described a ship unable to move forward because of a
strong headwind pressing its sails back against the mast? Anyone
interested in the colourful side of the English language will get hours
of fun browsing from this fascinating and informative volume.