{"product_id":"the-play-of-words-9780671689094","title":"The Play of Words","description":"\u003cb\u003eLearn the origins of popular phrases in the English language through this exciting book of games perfect for language lovers.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eDo you know the connection between the expression A HARROWING EXPERIENCE and agriculture, between BY AND LARGE and sailing, between GET YOUR GOAT and horses, or between STEAL YOUR THUNDER and show business? \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eYou probably have heard the comparisons HAPPY AS A CLAM, SMART AS A WHIP, PLEASED AS PUNCH, DEAD AS A DOORNAIL--but have you ever wondered why a clam should be happy, a whip smart, punch pleased, and a doornail dead? \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThrough the fifty games included in \u003ci\u003eThe Play of Words\u003c\/i\u003e you'll discover the answers to these questions as well as hundreds of other semantic delights that repose in our marvelous English language.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRichard Lederer is the author of more than 30 books about language, history, and humor, including his best-selling \u003ci\u003eAnguished English\u003c\/i\u003e series and his current book, \u003ci\u003ePresidential Trivia\u003c\/i\u003e. He has been profiled in magazines as diverse as \u003ci\u003eThe New Yorker\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003ePeople\u003c\/i\u003e, and the \u003ci\u003eNational Enquirer\u003c\/i\u003e and frequently appears on radio as a commentator on language. Dr. Lederer's syndicated column, \"Looking at Language,\" appears in newspapers and magazines throughout the United States. He has been named International Punster of the Year and Toastmasters International's Golden Gavel winner.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Gallery Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50326820192530,"sku":"9780671689094","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_2200c5d1-e8b5-4f3e-8c72-a1b48ce86460.jpg?v=1727705811","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-play-of-words-9780671689094","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}