“Idioms (in any language) give a language luster, shine, and poetry.”

Part of the allure of 800 English Idioms from A-H by A.M. Lucas is that the author explicitly speaks to those whose first language is not English. For one raised and cultivated solely by English speakers, so immersed in the language as to take its idioms for granted, the experience of reading such an entertaining book creates an opportunity for an expanded, more detached perspective. Imagine one’s great surprise when the English-speaking native (myself) comes across an unfamiliar idiom such as this little gem:

“A DOG IN THE MANGER Meaning: Someone who selfishly prevents others from enjoying or using something they themselves have no use for.

Example: He kept the equipment locked away, even though he never used it, behaving like a dog in the manger. 

Example: The neighbor refused to let the children play in his garden, acting like a dog in the manger even though he rarely spent time there.”

Note the concise and highly accessible format used to present these idioms. This format is used consistently throughout the book and enables easy understanding, memorization, and conscious application.

Even if further information would be interesting, I love that the author chooses not to explore the historical foundations for each idiom. That would be distractive to the singular purpose of this instructive and practical manual of expressions, which is meant to aid advancing English speakers in adding depth (luster, shine, and poetry) to their conversations. What an incredibly wonderful objective!