NTC's American Idioms Dictionary
Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
Idioms are figures of speech that can defy literal interpretation and confound both native and non-native
speakers of American English. This resource covers 8500 "proverbs, informal phrases and common sayings." Phrases are
arranged alphabetically by the first word of the phrase, excluding articles such as a, an, and the. Typical entries
provide brief definitions and examples of usage. The phrase finder index links keywords such as "cranny" to phrases
such as "every nook and cranny." An appendix (not seen) features irreversible two- or three-word phrases (e.g., fast
and furious, not furious and fast). Readers seeking the stories behind inscrutable expressions may choose to consult
slang or historical dictionaries instead. Libraries that already own American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms or Random
House Historical Dictionary of American Slang may wish to pass on this work.DElizabeth Connor, Medical Univ. of South
Carolina Lib., Charleston
If you have ever wondered what it is like to be at sixes or sevens or to raise hob with someone, NTC's American
Idioms Dictionary is the place to look for answers. Containing more than 8,500 idiomatic phrases commonly occurring
in daily conversation in the U.S., this third edition, with more than 600 new senses, defines our many baffling and
confusing expressions. Although word origins are not given, this source focuses on what the users need to know: the
meaning, usage, and the appropriate contexts for each idiomatic phrase.Several features make this dictionary easy and
appealing to use. An introductory chapter clearly and thoroughly provides strategies to assist in finding a phrase or
expression. Entries are arranged alphabetically by first word of the phrase. Some definitions are followed by
comments that explain variations of the phrase and what the phrase refers to. The idiom is used in a sample sentence,
and should the idiom have an alternate meaning, additional sentences are given. Definitions are further enhanced by
cross-references and labels such as "folksy" and "informal." A convenient "Phrase-Finder Index" uses any keyword--
noun, verb, adjective, or adverb--to guide in the location of a hard-to-find idiom. An appendix lists 500
irreversible binomials and trinomials, the two or three words always stated in a fixed order (e.g., before and after;
heart and soul; hook, line, and sinker ).Several other recent dictionaries of idiomatic phrases are available. The
American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms (1997) surveys more than 10,000 expressions and provides approximate dates of
first use and histories. The Cassell Dictionary of English Idioms [RBB O 1 00] defines approximately 10,000 idioms
used in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and the British Isles. The NTC entry is a solid choice for libraries
needing an up-to-date, reasonably priced resource that focuses on American English.
