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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

By: Riddleland
Narrated by: Slade Hovick
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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 Riddleland Words, Language & Grammar
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Listener received this title free

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.

engaging and funny

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Listener received this title free

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.

Perfect for Language Lovers!

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Listener received this title free

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!

A Fun Dive Into Everyday Language!

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Listener received this title free

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!

Fascinating and Fun Look at Everyday Expressions

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Listener received this title free

I listened to this on a road trip and ended up pausing a bunch to tell my partner random facts. I’ve always been curious about where phrases come from, and this made it super fun without dragging on. It felt like trivia, but with stories behind it. Some I’d heard before, but a lot were totally new to me. If you're into language or just like collecting random facts to drop in conversation, this one’s definitely worth a listen.

Fun Listen for Word Nerds Like Me

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