A collection of English-language trivia shares facts about words and language usage, from "almost" being the longest English word with its letters in alphabetical order to "stewardesses" being the longest word typed with the left hand.

With new entries and sensitive edits, this fifth edition places J.A. Cuddon's indispensable dictionary firmly in the 21st Century. • Written in a clear and highly readable style • Comprehensive historical coverage extending from ancient times to the present day • Broad intellectual and cultural range • Expands on the previous edition to incorporate the most recent literary terminology • New material is particularly focused in areas...

Why do we describe something as "A-1", "a lame duck", or "straight from the horse's mouth"? Why is someone's behaviour said to be "beyond the pale"? What is the original meaning of the word "treacle"? This book explores the intriguing origins and development of about 800 words and expressions in English. The story of the development of English provides an endless source of fascination not only for native speakers but also for students of English as...

Collects 101 popular idioms and sayings and explains their origins and how their usage has changed over time. "Like many people, you've probably used idioms or phrases like these without giving them a second thought. But if you were to take a moment to step back and learn about them you'll be pleasantly surprised to discover the mesmerizing and sometimes outright bizarre origins to these fun sayings! In Why Do We Say That, we have curated 101 of...

The key to a harmonious, highly effective work environment is not by ensuring you work among carbon-copies of yourself whose personalities never clash with one another or with you. That pipe dream could not ever happen, nor would it result in a successful team collaboration even if it could. Instead, most of us are going to work today with individuals who at times come across as incompetent, lazy, spotlight-hugging, whiny, or backstabbing. And then...