The Play of Words

Learn the origins of popular phrases in the English language through this exciting book of games perfect for language lovers.. Do you know the connection between the expression A HARROWING EXPERIENCE and agriculture between BY AND LARGE and sailing between GET YOUR GOAT and horses or between STEAL YOUR THUNDER and show business? You probably have heard the comparisons HAPPY AS A CLAM SMART AS A WHIP PLEASED AS PUNCH DEAD AS A DOORNAIL—but have you ever wondered why a clam should be happy a whip smart punch pleased and a doornail dead? Through the fifty games included in The Play of Words youll discover the answers to these questions as well as hundreds of other semantic delights that repose in our marvelous English language.