Humble Pie and Cold Turkey

English Expressions and Their Origins

By: Caroline Taggart

Write A Review

Paperback | 3 May 2023

At a Glance

Paperback
192 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
19.8 x 12.9 x 1.4

Paperback

RRP $17.99

$15.40

14%OFF

or 4 interest-free payments of $3.85 with

Aims to ship in 7 to 10 business days

'Caroline Taggart has carved out a niche for herself in user-friendly, wittily written factual books.' - Yorkshire Post
______________________

The huge variety of colourful phrases contained in the English language are notoriously varied and, often, notably odd. From blue-blooded (an invention of aristocratic Spaniards) to limelight (a way of lighting Victorian theatres), passing an exam with flying colours (an image from sailing ships) to winning hands down (from horse racing), the fascinating expressions that make up our language are explored in Humble Pie and Cold Turkey.

In this highly entertaining book, language enthusiast and Sunday Times best-selling author Caroline Taggart browses through thousands of years of history to shed light on why we use the words and phrases we do. Arranged by themes including food, the household, childhood, romance and more, this intriguing book looks at the origins of our language from their historical context. For example, did you know that:

If you rest on your laurels, you're imitating a complacent Roman general?
If you eavesdrop, you're likely to get wet?
If you're taken aback, you should, strictly speaking, be a sailing ship?
If you're galvanized into action, you're behaving like Frankenstein's monster?

Humble Pie and Cold Turkey will prompt you to question the downright bizarre idioms we use to express ourselves, and answer questions you may never have thought to ask. Including why turkeys need to be cold and how pies came to be humble.

Industry Reviews

'Caroline Taggart has carved out a niche for herself in user-friendly, wittily written factual books.'

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.