Containing more than 5,000 entries, this dictionary covers metaphorical phrases, similes, familiar sayings, and proverbs, providing illustrative quotations from sources as varied as the Bible, the Spectator, and Agatha Christie. It explains meanings and provides historical information for well-known idioms such as cost an arm and a leg, knocks spots off, once in a blue moon, the tip of the iceberg, and many more. Full of fascinating facts, this dictionary is ideal for anyone with interest in the origins of the colloquial, quirky byways of the English language.
Idioms are arranged alphabetically by key word for easy reference. Sayings in British English are supplemented by American English and other expressions.
Article structure
The invariable components of the entry structure are the idiom itself with capitalized keyword and any common variants given in brackets, followed by the definition. In addition there may be a label or labels indicating register and/or geographical area, a sentence or short paragraph covering etymological, historical and usage points of interest, and an illustrative quotation. The marking of a quotation with an asterisk indicates it is the earliest example of the use of this idiom yet traced.
The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms is utilized by the MSDict Viewer dictionary reader. MSDict offers best experience in mobile reference - quick-access layout, convenience of use and reliance.
* Hyperlinks between different related articles
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MSDict 7 Released with New Learning Features
MSDict Viewer 7 comes with an additional learning application MSDict Wordbook specially designed to facilitate the language learning process.
* Create your own word lists
* Easily memorize selected words
* Check your progress in learning the words is selected lists
Updated Description:
v7.70 (07/22/06):
- Optimized to support the new Cambridge Dictionary of American English
v7.60 (06/05/06):
- Optimized to support the new Oxford Bible, Oxford Thesaurus and Concise Italian and Oxford Portuguese dictionaries
v7.30(02/17/06):
- Optimized to support the new PONS bilingual dictionaries
v7.00 (10/04/05):
- Optimized with the new MSDict Wordbook to help you learn words using all dictionaries supported by the MSDict Viewer.You can create and edit your own wordlists.
