- The Great Book of American Idioms: A Dictionary of American Idioms, Sayings, Expressions & Phrases

Perfect book! Has over 1300 idioms, sayings, etc. succinctly explained with excellent examples in sentences. The origin of the idiom is not given if that is what you're looking for. The alphabetical format is excellent with an index in the back of the book as well. I bought another book first, but there was no comparison with this one. The book makes a terrific gift for someone learning English or who just enjoys idioms and sayings.

The publisher of this book, Lingo Mastery, does a marvelous in helping English-speaking individuals in learning a foreign language; or as in my case, refresh an individual's knowledge of one, which is German. But, while learning how to speak a foreign is a wonderful asset to have, the truth is that one DOES NOT know a foreign language unless you know its idiomatic expressions. Case in point, Not too long after graduating college where I took German, during the Steuben Parade in New York City, I had asked two of the participants who could speak English a few questions, after which I had started to walk away. As I did, one turned to the other and in German said, "Franz, look at the stupid American and their stupid questions." Hearing this, I turned around and walked back to them and gave them my response in German. which probably had totally surprised them, which was: "Excuse me. I heard what you said about me and I've got one thing to say to you." Using a totally idiomatic expression I politely told them that could kiss a certain part of my anatomy. Being shocked by my remark, they instantaneously began to apologize and then wanted to know what my name was and with force, I gave them my answer. It's great when foreigners want to use English when visiting here. or better learn English to become a citizen. The only problem that exists is that there's a huge myriad of idiomatic expressions that exist in the English languages which might differ from country to country. Here in the US, for example, are some expressions which might perplex individuals: A PIECE OF CAKE, to these individuals, would mean simply that A PIECE OF CAKE but depending o the context in which it's being used can also mean QUITE EASY. The same thing holds true for A SCREW LOOSE, it either means what it seems or it means CRAZY. And how about DOG AND PONY SHOW which can also mean: "A PRESENTATION OF SOME KIND THAT HAS QUITE A BIT OF STYLE BUT LACKS REAL CONTENT" As you can see, in order for someone to truly master the use of the English language, they need to be knowledgeable regarding the use of its idioms, which is why I've given the publisher, Lingo Mastery, 5 STARS for their endeavor in wanting individuals to begin to master the use of idioms

Very well organized, clear explanations, and table of contents following the conclusion is very helpful!

Great for ESL learners, but slang adds phrases daily

Super fun to read.

From the intro to this book, it appears that it was written for those who are learning English as a foreign language. To that end, it does an excellent job. I know four languages besides English and it is indispensable to learning another language well that one learns the idioms. However, that is not what drew me to this book. I have been looking for a book like this for some time. I have found other books of English idioms but not one as comprehensive and relevant as this one. I have two grown children in their thirties who are well-read but, for some reason, the younger generation doesn't seem to know or appreciate the same amount of idioms as their parents. So, I purchased this book for them to browse through or look up idioms they don't know. In sum, it's an excellent book and I highly recommend it.

Good

This list of commonly used idioms is really thorough. I've seen lists before that included idioms of very little use except to those living in a specific ethnic or cultural area. This list only includes very commonly-used idioms and should be helpful to anyone learning English. I live in a Spanish-speaking country and I work with high school students to improve their English fluency and help them get accepted to study abroad. I've recommended this book to them to help their English sound more natural, and the kids love the list. We had fun laughing together over some of the weirder idioms on the list. Thank you for compiling this book, it really is helpful.

Muy buen libro, justo lo que esperaba.

Great book

Best book for kids and elders too my son love to read it

This book is great!

I liked all of what was mentioned as it upskilled me. It boosted my confidence as a non native speaker. I recommend it every greenhorn out there.