Say What?: The Origins of Everyday Idioms and Phrases
Explore the Fascinating Histories and Fun Facts Behind the Words We Use: Why Do We Say That?
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Say What?: The Origins of Everyday Idioms and Phrases
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Narrated by:
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Slade Hovick
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By:
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Riddleland
About this listen
Uncover the Surprising Stories Behind the Words We Use Every Day!
Ever wondered why we "let the cat out of the bag" or "kick the bucket"? Dive into the fascinating world of linguistics with "Say What? The Origins of Everyday Idioms and Phrases"–your ultimate guide to understanding the quirky expressions that pepper our language!
From ancient proverbs to modern slang, this book takes you on an exhilarating journey through the history of our most beloved idioms and phrases. Discover how our language has evolved, shaped by culture, history, and human imagination.
Inside you will discover:
- How being "a fly on the wall" connects to the world of espionage and eavesdropping.
- Why "beating around the bush" has roots in medieval hunting practices
- How "breaking the ice" relates to ancient maritime traditions
- Why "buttering someone up" isn't as delicious as it sounds
- How "being caught red-handed" links to an old Scottish law
- What poultry has to do with "chickening out" of a situation
* And many, many more!
Whether you're a language enthusiast, a curious person, or someone looking to spice up their vocabulary, "Say What?" offers something for everyone. This book isn't just a word origins dictionary–it's a celebration of the vivid, imaginative ways we express ourselves.
Embark on this captivating exploration of idiomatic expressions and discover the stories hidden in the words we use every day. Get ready to say "Aha!" as you uncover the delightful histories behind our everyday language.
Click the Buy Now button at the top of the page to unravel the mysteries behind popular sayings and become the most interesting conversationalist in any room!
©2024 Riddleland (P)2024 RiddlelandWhat listeners say about Say What?: The Origins of Everyday Idioms and Phrases
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Drake
- 16-11-24
Perfect for Language Lovers!
It’s filled with short, fascinating segments that dig into the history behind phrases we use every day. Some of the origins were unexpected, even funny, which made the whole experience a pleasure. The format works well for listening in small chunks, and I love that I now have cool anecdotes to share in conversation. If you’re curious about language quirks, this one’s a must-listen.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- HYL
- 21-01-25
Now I get it!
This is an interesting audiobook to learn about the what and why of idioms. Sometimes I don't understand the meaning of some phases, or not sure why it is said like that. This audiobook provides all the answers and now I get it. It is especially good for children to learn about the idioms, as well as for those who speaks English as a second or third language. I like the way that each chapter talks about a different idioms, so that it is easier for me to look up on any specific idioms I need. And it is interesting to learn about the background and history for the idioms too.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- KC
- 07-02-25
Fun and fascinating read
If you love language, facts, and trivia, this book is an absolute gem. It uncovers the unexpected origins of everyday phrases in a way that’s both entertaining and informative. I found myself constantly pausing to share fun facts with friends and family. The explanations are clear, engaging, and sometimes downright surprising. It’s an easy, enjoyable read that makes you appreciate the quirks of language even more. Perfect for anyone who enjoys learning something new without feeling overwhelmed. A great conversation starter!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- G Flickinger
- 21-01-25
Fun Facts About the Phrases We Use Daily
Say What? is a fun and fascinating dive into the history of everyday idioms and phrases we often take for granted. Packed with quirky stories and surprising origins—like why we "break the ice" or "butter someone up"—it brings language to life. Perfect for word lovers or anyone curious about the colorful expressions we use daily.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Alisha Kapani
- 21-01-25
Entertaining read!
This book is a delightful deep dive into the quirky stories behind the idioms we use every day. It’s packed with fascinating historical tidbits and cultural insights that will make you see language in a whole new way. Perfect for language lovers and anyone who enjoys learning fun, unexpected facts!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Dr. Ron
- 20-01-25
Fascinating and Fun Look at Everyday Expressions
I absolutely loved this book! It’s packed with entertaining stories behind idioms we use daily without a second thought. Who knew “breaking the ice” had such a cool history? The explanations are clear and engaging, making it a joy to read. I found myself sharing these fun facts in conversations, and it definitely spiced things up! Whether you're a language lover or just curious about where our expressions come from, this book is a must-have. Highly recommend!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Ivy2023
- 05-11-24
A Fun Dive Into Everyday Language!
This book had me hooked from the start! I’ve always been curious about where some of our common phrases come from, and this was a perfect, lighthearted way to explore their origins. It’s packed with interesting facts and fun explanations that make you think twice about the things we say daily. I found myself sharing stories with friends and family, and it definitely sparked some great conversations. If you love trivia or learning quirky facts, this book is a must-read!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Christine Shariat
- 08-11-24
Fun and Fascinating Dive into Idioms
Highly enjoyable! I loved discovering the quirky and often surprising stories behind common phrases I use all the time without thinking. It made me appreciate just how colorful language can be. The explanations are easy to understand and full of fun facts, which kept me interested throughout. If you're curious about the origins of the things we say, this is definitely worth picking up - it makes learning about language both informative and entertaining
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Eric
- 22-01-25
engaging and funny
The author done a fantastic job compiling a list of idioms and their historical contexts. Although I was already aware of some of the beginnings, I now knew of a great deal more. It's fun to have a group of friends estimate which historical event gave rise to each phrase and see who can most accurately describe the narrative.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- D.Lynch
- 07-11-24
A Fun Dive into Language Origins!
I was amazed by the quirky stories behind everyday expressions and how they’ve evolved over time. The explanations are entertaining and often surprising, I learned so many interesting things that I found myself sharing them with friends and family. It’s a great choice for anyone who loves language or just enjoys fun trivia. Listening to this has definitely made me think twice about the words I use. Highly recommended for curious minds!
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