description: Do you know what they're talking about? The English language is full of interesting phrases and cultural watchwords inspired by world events, personalities, and literature since ancient times. The expressions are like language -in-code of a sophisticated club - a shorthand that allows the cognoscenti rapid, intelligent, and warm communication. We encounter them in books and the media, we use them in conversation, but often we have only a sketchy idea of what they mean, and none at all of their origins. This fascinating and entertaining reference work changes all that! In Cleopatra's Nose, the Twinkie Defense, &amp; 1500 Other Verbal Shortcuts in Popular Parlance, authors Jerome Agel and Walter D. Glanze provide no only origins and definition, but also the reasons and drama behind each entry - all in an easy-to-use Chronological organization Comprehensive key-word index for easy reference
language: English
title: Cleopatra'S Nose, Twinkie Defense and 12, 000 Other Phrases
titlecomplete: Cleopatra'S Nose, Twinkie Defense and 12, 000 Other Phrases
genres: Reference
ratings_count: 6
publisher: Prentice Hall Press