A Dictionary of American Idioms

By M T BoatnerAdam MakkaiJ.E. Gates, et al.

Book Overview

More than 8,000 idiomatic words and phrases that are standard in American English are listed with definitions and sample sentences to clarify their meanings. Earlier editions of this A-to-Z dictionary have proved especially helpful to TOEFL and TOEIC test takers, as well as to other students in North America for whom English is their second language. Idioms undergo constant change in every living language, some falling out of use while new words and phrases become part of the standard vocabulary. This new edition takes account of the latest idiomatic changes and presents a solid background to informal American English. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764119826
• ISBN13: 9780764119828
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: Barrons Educational Series
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 1.41 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Has everything

This book is funny and a lot of help! It is very helpful in understanding ASL as a communication tool.

Excellent book to learn the way Americans speak

Idioms are always difficult. For people learning English as second language this is even harder. This book offers a detail list of idioms that people often use, with their meanings and examples. Using this book along with the "NTC's Dictionary of American Slang" helps to develop your skills in understand the way American speaks that not always is taught in school. The book is clear, perfect. I'm happy to have it in my bookcase...

A very good reference for non-native English speakers

I thought I knew English pretty well. But when I came to Canada and had a chance to talk to people whose first language was English, I realized that sometimes I just can't get what they mean. When someone says "I'm off the hook" what does he really mean, was he "hanging" from a hook!! After realizing that I went to a bookstore and started searching for something which would help me in this regard. Then I came across this...