The Facts On File dictionary of modern allusions
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
The Facts On File dictionary of modern allusions
（Facts on File writer's library）
Checkmark Books, 2001
- : pbk
Available at 3 libraries
Note
Facts on File writer's library
Published in hardcover as The Facts On File dictionary of cultural and historical allusions
Includes index
Description and Table of Contents
Description
"I coulda been a contender", Molotov cocktail, catch-22, Beatrice. Our language is full of allusions, terms, names, and phrases that have been shorthand for certain attributes or circumstances. This dictionary explains the current meanings and original contexts of more than 1500 allusions of the past millennium drawn from history, literature, art, and mass culture. Sample entries include: apple pie - an American dish that has become a metaphor for American values; K-Mart - the name of this department store chain has become a symbol of bargain-basement products; and Wall Street - the location of the Stock Exchange brings to mind huge financial deals, insider trading and greed.
by "Nielsen BookData"