Little Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs features over 2,000 proverbs and sayings from around the world, arranged across 250 subjects - from 'Books' and 'Borrowing' to 'Dreams' and 'Drink'. Each theme has a short introduction giving an overview of the proverbial treatment of the topic and each proverb is accompanied by information on its date, source, and meaning. Not only is this book a pleasure to browse but it is ideal for quick reference with its comprehensive index that makes it easy to find the exact phrase you're looking for. Beautifully produced and designed, it is the perfect gift for anyone who loves language. Drawing on Oxford's ongoing dictionary research and language monitoring, the second edition of this delightful book adds phrases that have come to prominence, or increased in popularity, since publication of the first edition, such as 'Never waste a good crisis' and 'Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have', which add a contemporary flavour to the selection of more traditional English proverbs, and the popular sayings used in the English-speaking world from Asia, Africa, Middle East, and many other cultures. Find phrases on all aspects of life in this fascinating little book.

From Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde to Fidel Castro and Dolly Parton, the Little Oxford Dictionary of Quotations features 4,000 of the best quotations of past and present. Packed with quotable quotes on over 300 themes from 'Parties' to 'Punctuality', and from 'Apology' to 'Toasts', this is the ideal tool for finding exactly the right words to express yourself in any situation. Its perfect complement is the Little Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs, which includes fascinating information on 2,000 proverbs and sayings from around the world and across 250 subjects--from 'Cats' and 'Dogs' to 'Achievement' and 'Extravagance'. For the first time included in the Gift Box is the Little Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins, offering 1,000 word histories arranged by theme, from food to phobias, and from universe to love. Between them, these three charming little books will have the perfect words for whatever you want to say.

"First published as The concise Oxford dictionary of proverbs, edited by John Simpson, 1982"--Title page verso.

From Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde to Fidel Castro and Dolly Parton, the Little Oxford Dictionary of Quotations features 4,000 of the best quotations of past and present. Packed with quotable quotes on over 300 themes from 'Parties' to 'Punctuality', and from 'Apology' to 'Toasts', this is the ideal tool for finding exactly the right words to express yourself in any situation. Its perfect complement is the Little Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs, which includes fascinating information on 2,000 proverbs and sayings from around the world and across 250 subjects - from 'Cats' and 'Dogs' to 'Achievement' and 'Extravagance'. Here are classic quotations from writers like Helen Keller ('Life is either a daring adventure or it is nothing'), sharp remarks of today 'I'm just trying to change the world one sequin at a time' (Lady Gaga), and proverbs old and new, from the traditional 'Union is strength' to the African saying 'A single bracelet does not jingle'. Between them, these two charming little books will have the perfect words for whatever you want to say.

From Shakespeare and Mark Twain to Albert Einstein and Kate Moss, the Little Oxford Dictionary of Quotations features 4,000 of the best and most popular quotations of past and present. Packed with quotable quotes on over 300 themes from "Parties" to "Punctuality," and from "Apology" to "Toasts," this is the ideal tool for finding exactly the right words to express yourself in any situation. Its perfect complement is the Little Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs, which includes fascinating information on 2,000 proverbs and sayings from around the world and across 250 subjects from "Books" and "Borrowing" to "Dreams" and "Cats." Beautifully produced and designed, it is the perfect gift for anyone who loves language. Together, these two charming little books will have the perfect words for whatever you want to say.

The dictionary gives explanations of the meanings and use of proverbs whenever these are obscure. By means of numerous illustrative quotations it also provides a documentary history of each proverb from its first recorded use in written English, and supplies details of earlier related forms in other languages.