For anyone who has ever puzzled over why we say ‘spill the beans’, ‘spitting image’, and a plethora of other weird and wonderful phrases! Find the truth behind the expressions we use.

Have you ever wondered where terms like ‘end of your tether’, ‘gets my goat’ or ‘letting one’s hair down’ come from? Or why we call some people ‘geezers’, ‘sugar daddies’ or ‘lounge lizards’? These are just a few of the many words and phrases that language expert Max Cryer examines in this fact-filled and fun new book.

In this etymological tour of English’s oddest expressions, Max Cryer sheds light on their origins and uses through time. Along the way he tells a host of colourful anecdotes and dispels quite a few myths – Did Churchill originate the phrase ‘black dog’? And if ‘ivory tower’ can be found in the Bible, why has its meaning changed so drastically?

Bulging with information, Curious English Words and Phrases is a treasure trove for lovers of language. Informative, amusing and value for money, this book is ‘the real McCoy’. From ‘couch potato’ to ‘Bob’s your uncle’, you’ll find the explanation here!