A dictionary of American idioms /

As dictionaries of idioms concentrate on full proverbial statements, ephemeral slang, or foreign phrases (each with its own dictionary), the focus in compiling idioms becomes blurred. Most compilations concentrate on phrases (something between simple nouns as slang or metaphor and complete proverbial sentences), idiomatic puzzlements not provided for by other dictionaries. The present title excludes full proverbial statements, so is more sharply focused than Richard A. Spear's NTC's American Idioms Dictionary (CH, Nov '87), but the parameters for selection are still arbitrary. The Oxford Dictionary of Current Idiomatic English (v.1, CH, Jul '76; v.2, 1983) and Longman Dictionary of English Idioms (1979) are still the most carefully conceived. The present title and NTC are primarily for those teaching English as a second language. This work designates usage (e.g., slang, informal) and parts of speech, provides clear if simplified definitions, uses the idiom in a sentence and restates the sentence to show the meaning-all very useful for the nonnative speaker. Beyond Oxford and Longman, most libraries will want to limit the number of dictionaries of idioms they own. The pedagogic usefulness of this title recommends it.-J.B. Ladley, Bowdoin College