Have you ever wondered where terms like `end of your tether’, `gets my goat’ or `letting ones hair down’ come from? Or why we call some people `geezers’, `sugar daddies’ or `lounge lizards’? Or where the words `eavesdropping’, `nickname’ and `D-Day’ come from? They are just a few of the many words and phrases that language expert Max Cryer examines in this fact-filled and fun new book. Max explains where these curious expressions come from, what they mean and how they are used. Along the way he tells a host of colourful anecdotes and dispels quite a few myths – Did Churchill originate the phrase `black dog’? And if `ivory tower’ can be found in the Bible, why has its meaning changed so drastically? 'Curious English Words and Phrases' is a treasure trove for lovers of language. Informative, amusing and value for money, this book is `the real McCoy’. From `couch potato’ to `Bob’s your uncle’, you’ll find the explanation here!