The largest, most comprehensive, and most entertaining reference of its kind, The Dictionary of Cliches features more than four thousand unique cliches and common expressions. Author Christine Ammer explores the phrases and terms that enliven our language and uncovers expressions that have long been considered dead. With each entry, she includes a thorough definition, origin of the term, and an insightful example.

Some of the cliches brought into the limelight include:

Blood is thicker than water
Monkey see, monkey do
Brass tacks
Burn the midnight oil
Change of heart
Moral fiber
By the book

Whether cliches get under your skin or make you happy as a clam, The Dictionary of Cliches goes the extra mile to provide an essential resource for students, teachers, writers, and anyone with a keen interest in language. And that's food for thought.