This volume serves as a comprehensive reference tool designed to provide quick access to the most frequently cited quotations in the English language. Compiled by the editorial team at Oxford University Press, the work draws upon extensive lexicographical research to curate a selection of phrases, proverbs, and literary excerpts. The framework organizes entries alphabetically by author, providing context and attribution for each selection to ensure accuracy for researchers and casual readers alike.

Experts recognize this text as a standard, reliable resource for verifying the origins of common phrases. Readers frequently note the clarity of the entries and the utility of the alphabetical arrangement for academic or professional writing.