Review of America's top 30 idioms and their origins

[Ellylion]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "America's top 30 idioms and their origins" by fred engh.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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America's Top 30 Idioms and their Origins by Fred Engh is a quick and educational read. The book explains the meaning and history of the thirty idioms found in the English language. From this book, among other valuable specifics, we will learn why it is important to "let the cat out of the bag," why we admire "sliced bread" that much, and what historical figure stands behind the expression, "Katie, bar the door."

I liked the author's way of presenting the idioms. He does it straight to the point, offering amusing facts and providing us with historical data. I appreciate that the book touches on commonly used, so a bit rare idiomatic expressions. For instance, I didn't know much about the idiom "off your rocker" until reading this book. Also, I was always wondering what "bite the dust" meant. The book explains it exhaustively. It was very interesting to learn that a wish to "break a leg" exceeds the theatrical world and may have an ancient origin. It is worth adding that the writing style is simple and very appealing, while the amount of facts is not debilitating.

I liked the brilliant illustrations by talented Todd Van Linda. These illustrations accompany every idiom, humorously emphasizing its meaning. My favorite one depicts two camels sitting at the bar table, looking at a straw in a glass with hilarious "facial" expressions. I believe that you can guess what idiom it complements. Besides their entertaining quality, these illustrations would help readers memorize the meaning of the idioms better.

There wasn't anything to dislike about this book. I found up to six errors and typos, like a missing closing quotation mark or missing commas between the clauses. However, they didn't spoil my pleasure from reading, and I believed that the book was professionally edited. It is my great pleasure to award it 4 out of 4 stars. I couldn't give the book a lesser rating because of the author's non-orthodox approach to introducing idioms, among many other positive aspects of the book.

I recommend the book to English learners. But native English speakers would also benefit from reading this book. Established linguists and researchers would enjoy it, for the book widens the perspective on idioms' roots and development. Finally, the book would appeal to fans of humorous prose. I must add that the book is suitable for readers from 18 years of age as it has some instances of minor profanity and mentions types of execution in the context of history.

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America's top 30 idioms and their origins
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[Deval Sodha]

The book is a quick and educational read. It explains the meaning and history of the thirty idioms found in the English language. The author presents the idioms straight to the point, offering amusing facts and providing us with historical data. This makes it an interesting read.
The review is superb.
Congratulations on Botd

[Danie Rock]

Actually this book tells about idioms that 30 in english language. Author tells about fact and what the best part of it at idioms. I hope you can enjoy my statement. Thanks.

[Aan Granados]

This us one book I would be sure to enjoy reading. English is my second language and it would be a plus to learn about idioms. Thank you for your recommendation!

[Nina Vanderbilt]

This seems like an educational and informative book that I would like to read in the future. Also, I like the fact that there are illustrations for every idiom, it gives a bit of a humorous vibe. Great review!

[FunkyFlowerLady]

It'd be fun to read this book and throw in a random idiom in a conversation and watch people's minds working to make sense of it! Lovely review!

[Jorge Leon Salazar]

I find a book on the main idioms of the English language fascinating. It is also attractive that the presentation is straight to the point, offering fun facts, providing historical data, and including excellent illustrations that provide entertainment and a way to memorize the meanings. Excellent option.

[Ohna Martin]

This would certainly be a very interesting book. Those idioms may have had their origin in America but it known all over the world, as I grew up with it Sout Africa.

[Timothy Rucinski]

Great idea, but the book is very difficult to read on my phone with the Kindle app. I hope that the author can fix the formatting, as I would otherwise like to read this. Congrats on BOTD.

[Mercy Sos Christopher]

This book is a perfect read. I really love it. And I'm very sure I will have a wonderful time reading it. Many congratulations to the author on BOTD

[Pandora10]

I like how the author describes these idioms and their origins in a unique and humorous way. The illustrations by Todd are awesome. It's great to read something that can make you smile, laugh and be educational at the same time.

[Margi zuu202]

Book of the day BOTD is non fiction " idioms" a resource for learning American English it has all the information and illustration! idioms can confuse many folks because they are difficult to understand,idioms are are also expression that doesn't make sense people have no idea what they really are some people call it figures of speech because they don't follow grammar or syntax value I love how the author brought out the story its so we'll written and reviewed I will recommend this book because it's a must read

[Cristina Corui Mihailescu]

As an English learner and teacher, I find this book very useful. Idioms are difficult to master, one might learn their whole life and still not know them all. I liked the illustrations and explanations. Great review as well!

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I'm not an English learner but since I'm not a native English speaker, I always benefit immensely from this kind of book. And the illustrations should help drive the point home.
Thanks!

[Julie B 3]

It must be really fun to learn about the origin of so many idioms we hear every day! Sounds interesting.