Why Do We Say That? 101 Idioms, Phrases, Sayings & Facts! A Brief History On Where They Come From!

Review
"My daughter is 5 and has a lot of questions! She loves this book cause I can whip it out whenever she asks why that is said! Super informative and fun!"
- Michele Fawn (verified purchase)
"Very funny. Well written. I've passed it on to others that will enjoy it."
- Polly (verified purchase)
"I really enjoyed this little book. I would purchase volume 2 if it is written. The information on each saying is just the right length. I appreciate that the explanations are full but concise. I appreciate the "where it came from" section and the ending explanation of how the phrase is used today since many evolved over time. Definitely worth the time. Made good bathroom reading." - Joan E. Olmstead (verified purchase)
"Bought this as a gift for my friend that is trying to understand all the weird English idioms. Very useful and entertaining. I bought as a gift, but read through it myself also."
- Adam Pudenz (verified purchase)
"I bought this book for a twelve-year-old! Very age appropriate for that age group."
- Leann (verified purchase)
"This is a great little book and a quick read. Fascinating back stories on 101 terms that you've probably used almost all of at least once in your lifetime. Plus the author has thrown in a few extra fun facts."
- Jodi H. (verified purchase)
"This turned out to be a big hit over Christmas as folks started reading it aloud and others tried to guess the meanings. Totally enjoyable!"
- Pittsburgh Lady (verified purchase)
"As a non-native English speaker, idioms are always the hurdle to read and fully understand the stories from books. I tried several idiom books and definitely say this is the BEST. The short cartoons for each page and precise explanation for the origin of each idiom help me and my kids to get the wholesome idea."
- Youjin Lee (verified purchase)
Why do you “call shotgun” when you want the front passenger seat? What does “letting the cat out of the bag” have to do with divulging secrets? Why do you ask people to “cut to the chase”? Why do you hear all those juicy rumors “through the grapevine”?
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 most regularly used idioms, proverbs, turns of phrases, and colloquial terms that have the most fascinating backstories. For each phrase, we explain how it was coined, how its use evolved through the ages, and how it gained its contemporary use.
Inside you will discover: What the sanitary conditions of 17th century London have to do with its “raining cats and dogs” today. What taking things “with a grain of salt” has to do with an ancient remedy for poison. What Southeast Asian warrior traditions have to do with the term “to run amuck.” Why “to break a leg” became something worth aspiring to in the Elizabethan theaters. And many, many more!
Click the BUY NOW button at the top of the page to unravel the mysteries behind popular English idioms.