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Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red

The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases
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( 150 ratings, 17 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red explores the quirky and intriguing origins of 400 common English idioms. Andrew Thompson unveils the fascinating histories behind phrases like "a monkey's uncle" and "red-handed," revealing how these expressions entered everyday American speech. With engaging storytelling, the book uncovers the unexpected tales behind familiar sayings, such as the role of the Marquis of Waterford in inspiring the phrase "paint the town red." This lively volume is more than a simple etymological dictionary; it presents word trivia with humour and insight.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is perfect for language enthusiasts, trivia lovers, and anyone curious about the colourful history of English idioms. It suits readers who enjoy witty, educational non-fiction and appreciate discovering the stories behind everyday expressions.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The English language is riddled with phrases that are complete nonsense. Ever met a monkey's uncle, seen a red-handed thief, or been told to put a sock in it? You may know the real meaning of these common expressions, but do you know where, why, and how these idioms entered America's vernacular in the first place?

Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red uncovers and explains the amazing and bizarre origins of 400 such phrases. Breezy and fun to read, this book of word trivia is far from being just an etymological dictionary. As if he were unraveling 400 little mysteries, the author reveals the backstory of each expression and tells how they've gained their new meanings.

For example, you will enjoy following the exploits of the Marquis of Waterford. Was it the Mad Marquis' drunken excess and paint-brush wielding fun in the town of Melton Mowbray that inspired so many to "paint the town red" even today? This question and many others will be answered within.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781612436685

Publisher: Ulysses Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 13 April 2017

Country: United States

Imprint: Ulysses Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 203.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 280

About the Author

Andrew Thompson practices law but his obsession with finding out the truth about aspects of the world that we take for granted has led him to accumulate a vast body of knowledge which he has at last distilled into book form.

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