Pub date: available now

A wonderfully entertaining look at the meanings and origins of the many colourful � but baffling � phrases we use every day.

How on earth did �with bells on� come to express enthusiasm? And why is good health compared to a small stringed instrument? (�As fit as a fiddle.�) Let�s not beat about the bush: despite the fact that we have all used these phrases at one time or another, they are in truth � when you take a moment to consider them � completely non-sensical.

Spilling the Beans puts these linguistic quirks in context, explaining how and why they were first used. Absorbing, diverting and fascinating � as far as Christmas gifts go, Spilling the Beans really is the bee�s knees!