Say What?

Ever Wondered Why We "Break the Ice," "Hit the Nail on the Head," or "Let the Cat Out of the Bag"? We use idioms every day without a second thought, but have you ever stopped to wonder where they come from? Why do we "kick the bucket" when someone dies? Why do actors wish each other "break a leg" before a performance? And what does a "loose cannon" have to do with reckless behavior? If you've ever scratched your head over the origins of everyday expressions, Say What? - The Fascinating Origins of 350+ Everyday Expressions is here to give you all the answers-straight from the horse's mouth! Inside, you'll uncover: ¿¿¿¿ How 17th-century London's sanitation problems led to the phrase "raining cats and dogs." ¿ Why drunken sailors are responsible for the phrase "three sheets to the wind." ¿¿¿¿ How Elizabethan actors turned "break a leg" into a lucky charm. ¿¿¿¿¿ Why bringing home the bacon actually has nothing to do with breakfast. ¿¿¿¿ How a sneaky trick from the age of wooden ships gave us "letting the cat out of the bag." From medieval battlefields and pirate ships to Shakespearean theaters and Wild West saloons, this book dives into the linguistic history, word etymology, and fascinating evolution of over 350 of the most common idioms in the English language. Perfect for word lovers, trivia buffs, writers, and anyone who enjoys quirky history, this book will have you chewing the fat over idioms you've used your whole life. Whether you're looking to impress your friends, sharpen your writing, or just satisfy your curiosity, you'll find plenty of fascinating stories to enjoy. So don't "miss the boat"! Grab your copy today and start unraveling the mysteries behind the words we use every day!