A Dictionary of American idioms Author:M. Boatner, Maxine T. Boatner More than 8,000 idiomatic words and phrases specific to American-style English are presented in this updated A-to-Z dictionary, complete with definitions and sample sentences. Especially useful for TOEFL test-takers and other students in America for whom English is a second language, this book explains and clarifies many of the similes and metap... more »hors that newcomers to American English find mystifying. It is also useful to native-born Americans who are sometimes confused by regional colloquialisms encountered in reading or on TV. Idioms undergo constant change in every living language, some of them falling out of use, while new words and phrases become part of the standard vocabulary. This dictionary's new fourth edition takes account of the latest idiomatic changes and provides a solid background to informal American English.« less
I must admit to never reading this book. My college professor husband received it as a reward for some work he did for its publisher. It does define over 4,000 idiomatic expressions, and is perfect for someone trying to relive the 1970s.