The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs
Author Description
From Roman times to the computer age, proverbs have added spice to our language. In The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs, an abridgement of The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Proverbs, over 1,000 of these popular phrases are listed by main word, with a documentary history of each from its first recorded use, numerous illustrative quotations, and details of earlier related forms in other languages. The only dictionary to record and describe the modern proverb throughout the English-speaking world, this book focuses on proverbs known in the twentieth-century and thus provides a valuable resource for modern word-lovers and phraseologists.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This reference work investigates the historical origins, evolution, and usage of over 1,000 common proverbs within the English-speaking world. J. A. Simpson, a noted lexicographer, utilizes extensive archival research to trace the lineage of these phrases from classical antiquity through the twentieth century. The text provides a systematic framework for understanding how proverbial wisdom adapts to changing cultural contexts and linguistic trends.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A collection of over 1,000 proverbs organized by primary keyword.
- Documentary histories detailing the first recorded usage of each phrase.
- Illustrative quotations demonstrating the application of proverbs across different eras.
- Comparative analysis of related forms found in non-English languages.
Scope Limits
- The text focuses primarily on proverbs prevalent in the twentieth century.
- It serves as an abridgement of the larger 'Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Proverbs' and may omit rarer or archaic entries.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts and linguists recognize this volume as a reliable, accessible resource for tracking the etymology and development of common idioms. Readers frequently note the clarity of the entries, making it a standard reference tool for those interested in the history of the English language.
Page Count:
272
Publication Date:
1985-09-26
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192818805
ISBN-13:
9780192818805
Dictionaries
Linguistics
Etymology
Folklore
Language
Proverbs
Reference
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