The English language is full of peculiar and obscure expressions, some ancient- bread and circuses some modern gnomes of Zurich. Many of them have fascinating provenances and hidden meanings. Cassells Dictionary of English idioms is an unrivalled guide to these expressions, providing full and lucid definitions and helpful usage notes. It also gives details of the origins of many of the idioms, be they Biblical, Shakespearean, nautical, historical or derived from quotes, misquotes or misunderstandings.