The Illustrated Book of Funny Old Sayings: Everyday phrases and their origins (Illustrated Books of Sayings)

Would buy again

This an absolutely delightful book. Very informative about everyday sayings we use and their fascinating origins. The illustrations are just beautiful. I originally downloaded the ebook, but then bought the actual book when it became available. It makes an ideal gift for any occasion.

We've all used these phrases - and some of us misuse them regularly. Nice to have a reference of where these sayings came from. Also makes good fodder for trivia nights !

This was a quick but fun read. How many times have I wondered where on earth an expression came from, like "white elephant" or "cost an arm or a leg." We use these expressions all the time with no idea the origin. So now I know, and will enjoy dropping this clever trivia at the next cocktail party or staff meeting I attend. If I were to choose a favourite it might be "saved by the bell" which is an expression my students use all the time. Now I can set them straight and I think they'll be surprised at where that expression came from! The illustrations are sweet. The moment I finished this book, I thought of at least 5 people who would love it too and sent them all kindle versions as gifts.

Interesting about how coloquiallisms came to be.

Such a fun book to read! Enlightening finding out the meanings to the wee sayings we use on a daily basis. The drawings were perfect too. I am getting this as my go to hostess gift! Loved it!

It’s fine. Underwhelmed by the size of it. I hoped for more

This book is so much fun! I am a history buff and this would be a fun way to get children interested in history. The author did a great job of explaining phrases we use daily without thinking. The book gives you food for thought!

You're getting it from the horse's mouth; and if they give to you as a gift, don't look in a horse's mouth...Your language will thank you.

An entertaining read, and the illustrations help to convey the information in an accessible and enjoyable way.This book is a fun way to introduce interesting sayings to everyone from children to reminiscence groups.I hope further editions are planned in the same format !

My grandmother had a funny old saying: ‘Bless my last bottom cotton socks!’ Thanks to Sally Mooney, I now know where it comes from.I first heard about this little book a few years ago when it was just an idea. It sounded like fun. A year or so later in I was privileged to see the first five illustrations, Sally having outlined her ideas to the talented artist, Ecaterina Leascenco.And now, here is the e-book and it is great fun. I imagine grown-ups reading to children and all of them enjoying (or puzzling over) the pictures together. What a good way to pass on some of these Funny Old Sayings to the young for safekeeping!Congratulations, Sally, for imagining this delightful little book into existence, and Ecaterina, for making the text come alive with your humorous illustrations. I hope someone gives me a hard copy for my 83rd birthday. It won’t cost them an arm and a leg.Rachael B

So many turns of phrase in the English language have little-known origins, and this work offers a very friendly insight into the current use, and origins of these phrases. Even if you are familiar with the terms presented in this book, and their history, this is a fantastic addition to your bookshelf, as the illustrations are marvellous, and capture the the usage of the phrases in a beautifully playful style.

An amusing short book giving some fascinating insights into some of our strange sayings.Recommend it for anyone who has an interest in the idioms of the English language