Oxford Dictionary of Idioms

The aim of the Oxford Dictionary of Idioms is to provide clear definitions of

phrases and sayings for those who do not know what they mean, but also to

offer the curious reader interesting facts about the origins of phrases and

examples of their use. This second edition of the Oxford Dictionary of Idioms is

based on the first edition, edited by Jennifer Speake. It maintains the first

edition's focus on contemporary and historical phrases, sayings, and

proverbs, and uses a combination of definition and (where required)

explanatory note and illustrative quotation to provide a rounded picture of

idiomatic usage.