Publisher's Synopsis
In this original Thesaurus, the author's definition of "metaphors" is usefully broad and covers a wide variety of figurative language. Offering explanations and derivations, the volume contains around 20,000 traditional English sayings - including metaphors, similes, proverbs, catch phrases, idioms and slang expressions. With scholarly analysis and commentary, the material presented is comprehensive, and includes much which cannot be found in any other printed source. All the expressions have achieved a common currency, even if confined to a locality, particular trade or social group.
Avoiding `literary' metaphors, the Thesaurus reflects folk wisdom as encapsulated in a living language, and from this perspective it will be of interest to all folklorists and cultural historians. The Thesaurus will also be an important resource for dialectologists and language enthusiasts.
