Idioms are the expressions peculiar to any language, and English is about as peculiar as they come! Why do we 'argue the toss'? When do we 'jump on the bandwagon'? How do we 'bring home the bacon'? CASSELL'S DICTIONARY OF ENGLISH IDIOMS provides a full and thorough guide to both the most recent and more archaic turns of phrase. Definitions are given in plain English, without explaining one idiom by means of another. Details of the origins of expressions are given, be they drawn from technical applications, from specific situations, from quotes, misquotes or misunderstandings. With over 10,000 entries, backed up with copious cross-references, CASSELL'S DICTIONARY OF ENGLISH IDIOMS provides a full and fascinating reference source, unrivalled in its class.