Berne trots out one of language's finest trappings in this title: the idiom. These colorful expressions jazz up our conversations and writing but often go unnoticed among native speakers. Berne draws attention to some common phrases, like kicking the bucket, explaining their literal and figurative meanings and, in several cases, their origins. Simpler phrasal verbs (being cut out for a job, for instance) are no less tricky for nonnative English speakers, and comparisons of British and American phrasing help illustrate this point. Next, readers learn how and why to use idioms, and are challenged to make up their own; a final section gets modern by categorizing certain text emojis and shorthand (LOL) as idioms. Part of the Why Do We Say That? series, this book provides a curious and playful look at language.

Beginning with a general overview of its topic, each text delves into the history and currently active changes of American English. They also go into some finer points, such as the use of emojis as idioms and the evolution of "thee/thou" to "you." "Try it out!" sections encourage active engagement with functions of language. Stock photographs and some charts adorn the pages. Reading list. Glos., ind.