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What Does That Mean?
- Better Understand Idioms, Phrases, and Sayings | And Discover the Fascinating History Behind Their Origins
- Narrated by: KC Wayman
- Length: 1 hr and 57 mins
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Publisher's summary
They say "ignorance is bliss," but there's no reason to "take a rain check" on learning more about the English language.
What does it mean for something to be "a dime a dozen"? Why on earth would you tell someone to "break a leg" when wishing them good luck?
Idioms and expressions are a part of everyday English, but they aren't always the easiest to figure out. Many of these phrases have meanings that aren't immediately clear, and it can be confusing when they come up in conversations.
Even more confusing is the experience of hearing an idiom or phrase wrong and believing it to be something completely different until you're eventually corrected.
For instance, "a blessing in disguise" can easily become "a blessing in the skies," which is still less ridiculous than some of the very real idioms you'll find within these pages!
Expanding your knowledge of English and the phrases used by native speakers will not only help you speak more confidently, but it will also assist in understanding complicated conversations and stories.
You'll be "busy as a bee" with these interesting tidbits, so don't leave it "down to the wire" to start learning--this book will definitely "knock your socks off!"
In this guide, here is just a fraction of what you will discover:
- The meanings and history behind 101 phrases and idioms for every situation
- The obscure origins of many sayings and their enduring legacy throughout the years
- How to properly use idioms in casual conversation to boost your speaking ability and conversational skills
- Example sentences using the phrases so that you can see them in action
- And much more.
Whether you're a native speaker looking to deepen your understanding of these common and not-so-common phrases or are learning English with the goal of speaking naturally and casually, this is the book for you!
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Overall
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But what is a Snark? "Humpty Dumpty's theory, of two meanings packed into one word like a portmanteau, seems to me the right explanation for all." (Lewis Carroll)
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Savory & Strange--but Missing a Fit!!!
- By Jefferson on 10-17-10
By: Lewis Carroll
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Words on the Move
- Why English Won't - and Can't - Sit Still (Like, Literally)
- By: John McWhorter
- Narrated by: John McWhorter
- Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
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Words on the Move opens our eyes to the surprising backstories to the words and expressions we use every day. Did you know that silly once meant "blessed"? Or that ought was the original past tense of owe? Or that the suffix -ly in adverbs is actually a remnant of the word like? And have you ever wondered why some people from New Orleans sound as if they come from Brooklyn?
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Review By a Fan
- By Margaret on 09-25-16
By: John McWhorter
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The Awful German Language
- By: Mark Twain
- Narrated by: Cathy Dobson
- Length: 49 mins
- Unabridged
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Mark Twain's classic satire on the German language. A must read for anybody learning German or living in a German-speaking country. "The Germans have another kind of parenthesis, which they make by splitting a verb in two and putting half of it at the beginning of an exciting chapter and the other half at the end of it. Can anyone conceive of anything more confusing than that?"
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This is a terrific piece of writing!
- By SandyJ on 05-24-13
By: Mark Twain
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Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue
- The Untold History of English
- By: John McWhorter
- Narrated by: John McWhorter
- Length: 5 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
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A survey of the quirks and quandaries of the English language, focusing on our strange and wonderful grammar. Why do we say "I am reading a catalog" instead of "I read a catalog"? Why do we say "do" at all? Is the way we speak a reflection of our cultural values? Delving into these provocative topics and more, Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue distills hundreds of years of fascinating lore into one lively history.
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Great for casual linguists
- By Bertie on 01-11-10
By: John McWhorter
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A History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters
- By: Julian Barnes
- Narrated by: Alex Jennings
- Length: 10 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
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This is one of the defining novels of English writer Julian Barnes. An entertaining melange of stories starting with a contemporary account of the launch of Noah's Ark takes us into unexpected areas of human foibles, activities, and tendencies.
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Not what I Expected
- By Mark on 02-20-08
By: Julian Barnes
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Letters from a Self-Made Merchant to His Son Being the Letters Written by John Graham
- Head of the House of Graham & Company, Pork-Packers in Chicago
- By: George Horace Lorimer
- Narrated by: Alan Taylor
- Length: 4 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
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George Horace Lorimer is best known as the editor of The Saturday Evening Post, where he was credited with promoting and discovering authors like Jack London. Lorimer compiled his life advice into the fictional letters from John "Old Gorgon" Graham to his son Pierrepont. John Graham is a Chicago-based pork and finance baron. In the letters Pierrepont receives advice for his different stages of life. Old Gorgon's advice is packed throughout the book, easy to understand, and still rings true today.
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Great but those were the times...
- By Harold on 08-20-18
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The United States of Absurdity
- Untold Stories from American History
- By: Dave Anthony, Gareth Reynolds, Patton Oswalt - foreword
- Narrated by: Dave Anthony, Gareth Reynolds
- Length: 2 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
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The creators of the podcast The Dollop present profiles of the weird, outrageous, NSFW, and downright absurd tales from American history that you weren't taught in school. The United States of Absurdity presents short, informative, and hilarious stories of the most outlandish (but true) people, events, and more from United States history.
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Fun With Useless Facts
- By Keith on 05-21-17
By: Dave Anthony, and others
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You Might Be a Zombie and Other Bad News
- Shocking but Utterly True Facts
- By: Cracked.com
- Narrated by: Johnny Heller
- Length: 6 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
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You're going to wish you never got this audiobook. Some facts are too terrifying to teach in school. Unfortunately, Cracked.com is more than happy to fill you in. Think you're going to choose whether or not to buy this book? Scientists say your brain secretly makes all your decisions 10 seconds before you even know what they are.
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Buenas fabulas de humor
- By Cynthia on 10-27-14
By: Cracked.com
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A Million Years in a Day
- A Curious History of Everyday Life from the Stone Age to the Phone Age
- By: Greg Jenner
- Narrated by: Matthew Lloyd Davies
- Length: 11 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
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Who invented beds? When did we start cleaning our teeth? How old are wine and beer? Which came first: the toilet seat or toilet paper? What was the first clock? Every day, from the moment our alarm clock wakes us in the morning until our head hits our pillow at night, we all take part in rituals that are millennia old. Structured around one ordinary day, A Million Years in a Day reveals the astonishing origins and development of the daily practices we take for granted.
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Super interesting!
- By Brandon on 07-07-16
By: Greg Jenner
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Surviving Ireland
- By: Colm Tobin
- Narrated by: Colm Tobin
- Length: 4 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
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It's exhausting being Irish. The constant self-flagellation is enough to put anybody off their breakfast. Why are we so hard on ourselves? Is it the postcolonial overhang following centuries of oppression at the hands of a litany of foreign invaders? Or is it collective guilt for sending Westlife out into the wider world? In Surviving Ireland, acclaimed comedy writer Colm Tobin takes the listener by the hand for a satirical romp through modern Irish life.
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very fun
- By Rick on 06-12-19
By: Colm Tobin
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The Mother Tongue
- By: Bill Bryson
- Narrated by: Stephen McLaughlin
- Length: 10 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
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With dazzling wit and astonishing insight, Bill Bryson - the acclaimed author of The Lost Continent - brilliantly explores the remarkable history, eccentricities, resilience, and sheer fun of the English language. From the first descent of the larynx into the throat (why you can talk but your dog can't) to the fine lost art of swearing, Bryson tells the fascinating, often uproarious story of an inadequate, second-rate tongue of peasants that developed into one of the world's largest growth industries.
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More satire than history
- By Barbara Kindle Customer on 12-18-15
By: Bill Bryson
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I, Partridge: We Need to Talk About Alan
- By: Alan Partridge
- Narrated by: Alan Partridge
- Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
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Journalist, presenter, broadcaster, husband, father, vigorous all-rounder – Alan Partridge – a man with a fascinating past and an amazing future. Gregarious and popular, yet Alan’s never happier than when relaxing in his own five-bedroom, south-built house with three acres of land and access to a private stream. But who is this mysterious enigma? Alan Gordon Partridge is the best – and best-loved – radio presenter in the region. Born into a changing world of rationing, Teddy Boys, apes in space and the launch of ITV, Alan’s broadcasting career began as chief DJ of Radio Smile....
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An Anglican giant among pygmies
- By John on 06-20-12
By: Alan Partridge
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The Emissary
- By: Yoko Tawada, Margaret Mitsutani - translator
- Narrated by: Julian Cihi
- Length: 4 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
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Japan, after suffering from a massive irreparable disaster, cuts itself off from the world. Children are so weak they can barely stand or walk: the only people with any get-go are the elderly. Mumei lives with his grandfather Yoshiro, who worries about him constantly. They carry on a day-to-day routine in what could be viewed as a post-Fukushima time, with all the children born ancient - frail and gray-haired, yet incredibly compassionate and wise. Mumei may be enfeebled and feverish, but he is a beacon of hope, full of wit and free of self-pity and pessimism.
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Tedious. Waste of time.
- By Kenneth McGovern on 02-17-19
By: Yoko Tawada, and others
What listeners say about What Does That Mean?
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- SKB
- 02-14-24
Gem of a book!
'What Does That Mean?' is an absolute gem for anyone interested in language, history, and the quirks of human expression. It's an informative and enjoyable read/listen that will expand your knowledge of idioms and leave you with a sense of wonder about the intricate web of words we use every day. I highly recommend this book to anyone curious about the fascinating origins behind the phrases we often take for granted. Many of them I've heard, used, or were new, but I found myself captivated and often chuckling.
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- Marvin Pasibe
- 01-18-24
Simple but very useful
Delve into the fascinating world of English idioms with this guide. Uncover the meanings and stories behind 101 phrases, perfect for spicing up your everyday conversations. Whether you're a native speaker or an English learner, "Explore English Idioms" is your ticket to mastering the language's quirky expressions.
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- Alan
- 01-09-24
Interesting to find out what they mean
Qwerky audio, unlike any others I have listened to and thought I would give it a go. Very well narrated and the phrases and sayings were very interesting and funny to see their true origins. Give it a go, you will be surprised at where those sayings have come from that you use everyday!
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- Annie H
- 02-17-24
Beyond what you would expect!
"It's raining knives and forks!" You'll have to listen to hear where this one is used and why!
But What Does That Mean? goes beyond mere trivia – it's a celebration of the richness and diversity of language. As the book explores idioms from different cultures and time periods, listeners are invited to appreciate the beauty and complexity of human communication.
Whether you're a language enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the origins of everyday expressions, this audiobook has something for everyone. Prepare to be entertained, enlightened, and inspired as you embark on this delightful linguistic adventure with Cooper The Pooper as your guide. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!
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- Anonymous User
- 01-20-24
Amazing book.
This audiobook proved to be a captivating exploration that transcends mere idioms, phrases, and sayings, delving deep into the historical tapestry that birthed these linguistic gems. Beyond aiding in a better comprehension of common expressions, it provided a fascinating journey through the stories and cultural contexts that shaped these linguistic nuances. Whether you're a dedicated language enthusiast or someone casually intrigued by the intricacies of everyday expressions, this audiobook offers an enlightening and enjoyable exploration of the vast richness embedded in our language.
The narrator's exquisite performance added a layer of beauty to the already engaging content. Their skillful delivery not only conveyed the historical narratives behind each expression but also elevated the entire listening experience. The audiobook became more than just an informative guide; it transformed into a mesmerizing auditory adventure, making the journey into the origins of language all the more enchanting.
For those curious minds eager to uncover the mysteries behind the phrases we use daily, this audiobook is a delightful companion. The seamless fusion of insightful content and the narrator's captivating performance makes it an indispensable resource, providing both knowledge and entertainment in the exploration of our language's fascinating intricacies.
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- Cnsjdreams
- 01-11-24
Fun resource for those odd phrases we say everyday
This was such an interesting book! I've never considered the origins or full meaning behind many of the sayings we use everyday. The most amazing part was how far back the meanings of phrases like "raining like cats and dogs" or "the world is your oyster" goes. I highly recommend this for anyone but feel that non-native English speakers will get the most of it. It makes me step back and consider what phrases I use with these individuals to make sure that my meaning is clear!
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- Silvia Bustamante
- 02-29-24
A Journey of Discovery
It is a delightful and engaging audiobook that celebrates the joy of language and the power of words to inspire, entertain, and educate. With its clever storytelling and playful narration, this audiobook is sure to ignite a passion for words in listeners of all ages. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a fun and engaging way to explore the richness and diversity of language.
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- Grace
- 01-10-24
INFORMATIVE RESOURCE!!
I believe idioms help us to add expressiveness and depth to communication. They provide a creative and culturally rich way to convey ideas and emotions. I enjoyed listening to this book, gaining knowledge about different phrases and their history was worth it. I appreciate the author for such amazing work. Highly recommended!
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- Cindy
- 01-10-24
Answered all my questions!
How many times have you said a phrase and then thought “where in the world did that come from?” This book answers that question!! There are so many odd sayings that we have in our vernacular that just come out of our mouths automatically. I loved hearing where they originated and when! Very entertaining book!
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- Lindsey
- 01-18-24
That Means What?!
This was such a fun book to listen to. The use of example sentences is particularly helpful, showing how these phrases can be used in everyday conversation. This feature makes the book an excellent resource for both native speakers and those learning English. What I appreciated most was the exploration of the origins of these sayings. I’m surrounded by people who constantly use these phrases and sayings, so it’s so cool that I can now say I actually understand where some of them came from. It's not just about what they mean but how they came to be, which adds a layer of depth to the learning experience. The narration is clear and pleasant to listen to, enhancing the overall experience. This audiobook is a must-listen for anyone interested in language, communication, or just enjoys the peculiarities of English. It's informative, well-researched, and presented in a way that's both fun and insightful. Whether you're looking to improve your conversational skills or just curious about the phrases you use daily, this audiobook is a great pick.
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