A Thesaurus of Traditional English Metaphors Book

In this original Thesaurus, the author's definition of "metaphors" is usefully broad and covers a wide variety of figurative language. Offering explanations and derivations, the volume contains around 20,000 traditional English sayings - including metaphors, similes, proverbs, catch phrases, idioms and slang expressions. With scholarly analysis and commentary, the material presented is comprehensive, and includes much which cannot be found in any other printed source. All the expressions have achieved a common currency, even if confined to a locality, particular trade or social group.
Avoiding 'literary' metaphors, the Thesaurus reflects folk wisdom as encapsulated in a living language, and from this perspective it will be of interest to all folklorists and cultural historians. The Thesaurus will also be an important resource for dialectologists and language enthusiasts.

Booknews

Defines and, where possible, explains the origin of over 20,000 sayings current in modern, living English. Drawn from direct observation in several rural areas of Britain, and from secondary material on North America and Oceania. Literary metaphors are excluded. The topical sections follow the old rhyme: tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor, rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief, with the addition of sections at home, at school, and at play. Each section contains many subsections, and is indexed separately; the overall indexes are by theme and key word. A monumental endeavor, of limited but enduring interest, unfortunately printed on acidic paper. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)