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  • The Play of Words by Richard Lederer book cover
  • The Play of Words by Richard Lederer book cover
  • The Play of Words by Richard Lederer book cover
  • The Play of Words by Richard Lederer book cover
  • The Play of Words by Richard Lederer book cover
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The Play of Words

by Richard Lederer

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English expressions, explored through games

$18.50 USD
$28.91 USD $18.50 USD
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Paperback New English

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AlbakiReads Editorial

English expressions, explored through games

Richard Lederer brings together 50 games about the origins and meanings of familiar English phrases. Questions about expressions such as “by and large” and “get your goat” lead into connections with subjects including sailing and horses, while comparisons like “happy as a clam” invite a closer look at their wording. The book combines wordplay with explorations of English vocabulary and phrase histories, offering a game-based way to investigate how everyday expressions acquired their associations.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Adults interested in English vocabulary and phrase origins
  • Language lovers who enjoy word games and puzzles

Themes

English phrase originsVocabulary and semanticsWord games

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

Learn the origins of popular phrases in the English language through this exciting book of games perfect for language lovers.

Do you know the connection between the expression A HARROWING EXPERIENCE and agriculture, between BY AND LARGE and sailing, between GET YOUR GOAT and horses, or between STEAL YOUR THUNDER and show business?

You probably have heard the comparisons HAPPY AS A CLAM, SMART AS A WHIP, PLEASED AS PUNCH, DEAD AS A DOORNAIL--but have you ever wondered why a clam should be happy, a whip smart, punch pleased, and a doornail dead?

Through the fifty games included in The Play of Words you'll discover the answers to these questions as well as hundreds of other semantic delights that repose in our marvelous English language.
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