The Play of Words

By Richard Lederer

Book Overview

Learn the origins of popular phrases in the English language through this exciting book of games perfect for language lovers.

Do you know the connection between the expression A HARROWING EXPERIENCE and agriculture, between BY AND LARGE and sailing, between GET YOUR GOAT and horses, or between STEAL YOUR THUNDER and show business?

You probably have heard the comparisons HAPPY AS A CLAM, SMART AS A WHIP, PLEASED AS PUNCH, DEAD AS A DOORNAIL--but have you ever wondered why a clam should be happy, a whip smart, punch pleased, and a doornail dead?

Through the fifty games included in The Play of Words you'll discover the answers to these questions as well as hundreds of other semantic delights that repose in our marvelous English language.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671689096
• ISBN13: 9780671689094
• Release Date: September 1991
• Publisher: Gallery Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.84 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Word Play

Lovers of words will delight in this volume. Hours of word-play within its covers. Lederer is a word genius and this one is one of his most wide-ranging and challenging.

Great for teachers

This is an excellent book for teachers of 4th grade - adult. Contains fun and challenging language activities that can be modified for all levels!

The best word games I've ever seen!

You don't need to have a sophisticated vocabulary to play these games. It's wonderful with children. We play in the car, at the dinner table, as a homework break. This book goes on vacation with us. I highly recommend it!

A wonderful resource for English Teachers & other verbivores

This book is full of great ways to have fun with the English language. I have used it during my teaching practicum to teach my students (grade 8 & 12) basic poetic terms. The games are great fun and a wonderful way to start class everyday! The kids keep asking for more & I don't think there's anything better than that. Lederer spans the language from sound devices, to metaphors, to names, to language logic. It's one book I wouldn't want to teach without!