The dictionary gives explanations of the meanings and use of proverbs whenever these are obscure. By means of numerous illustrative quotations it also provides a documentary history of each proverb from its first recorded use in written English, and supplies details of earlier related forms in other languages.
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The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs
Proof of the principle, the more the merrier, this is an expanded edition of an ever-popular dictionary. Now reissued and updated, this invaluable work of reference provides the reader with over 1,000 of the best-known English proverbs from around the world. For this third edition the explanatory material has been expanded and new proverbs added including “Never say never,” “It takes one to know one,” “The devil is in the details,” and “If you want something done, ask a busy person.”