101 American English Idioms: Understanding and Speaking English Like an American

by David J. Collis and Harry Collis

Book Overview

This book makes American English phrases "duck soup." 101 American English Idioms takes the mystery out of these common U.S. expressions and explains their meanings in context. On the audio CD, native... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0844254460
• ISBN13: 9780844254463
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Passport Books
• Length: 104 Pages
• Weight: 0.51 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.9" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Thin, delightful, and satisfying

American idioms can cause confusion and frustrate many English language learners. This thin, delightful collection 101 idioms uses humor, clear drawings, and witty captions to illustrate the real meanings of odd phrases. Many English teachers love the verbal and visual humor, and add it as a supplemental text for intermediate or advanced ESL students. The mocking tone, however, probably annoys the more prudish folks. Other adult educators might also feel that their precious class time is better spent on more practical life skills. I understand their reservations, but still strongly recommend it as a real treat. The author, Harry Collis, deserves great praise for creating a very entertaining, informative ESL book. This satisfying collection seems ideal for self-study, college students, and tutors. Do yourself a favor - read this book!

Get the cassette

Play the cassette whenever possible for hundreds times, for example before bedtime and during sleeping. You learn by listening. It's the best way to learn idioms, for me. You don't need to read the book often but only listening to the recording of this book. Highly recommend it. I also learnt "don't talk with your month full' from this book. Language plus culture.

Effective and Fun!

I use 101 American English Idioms with my students. The idioms are common, and I feel the illustrations add a generous element of fun to a very effective book. Because my students need to understand spoken English, I also use Whaddaya Say, 2nd Edition, to help them accurately hear natural spoken English.

Fantastic Idioms Book!

From The PublisherHere is a refreshing tongue-in-cheek look at American idioms, presented in living caricature. American English Idioms, a whimsical collection of colloquialisms, is sure to delight you - and provide real insight into American idioms, customs, and humor. Harry Collis has arranged common everyday idioms into nine lighthearted sections - including: The Body Has Many Uses, People Do the Strangest Things, When Things Go Wrong, When Things Go Well, and more! And he has turned them over to the expert hands of Mario Risso, whose wonderfully humorous cartoons illustrate what Americans say and what they really mean. Each idiom has a standard English "translation" and is placed in a real-life context, either in a natural dialogue or narrative. These facilitate understanding and make the idioms come alive!