Webster's New World: American Idioms Handbook

First order of business: I did not read this book. I purchased it as a gift for a friend. She is originally from China and has some trouble still with English. She is always asking us (friends) to clarify what we mean when we use English expressions or make American pop culture references. I drew her name for a Secret Santa gift swap and chose this book, thinking that it was practical, but also a poking a bit of fun at her. It had the perfect effect of making everyone giggle (a bit of racism among friends is funny, right?) but also being completely useful to her! She tells me that it's a great book and she actually uses it to look up new phrases as she encounters them.

Gail Brenner did a thorough and readable analysis of the most difficult aspect of American English idioms--phrasal verbs. I actually read it cover to cover and intend to use it as a reference as well. She includes cultural matters and social aspects of usage for the student of American English. I am a Japanese Language specialist and never realized how difficult American English idioms are to master completely. This book is an essential reference for students of American English, and quite informative for native speakers. It is written in a clear style and can be used as a reference--but it is most valuable read from cover-to-cover. I have a new respect for American English as a result of reading this book.

I encountered Webster's New World American Idioms Handbook while interviewing to be a literacy tutor. I was both surprised and impressed that such a source existed. Idioms seldom get much attention although they play a vital role in both understanding and enriching our language . I intend to employ the handbook frequently in teaching my student phrases that he/she will be able to use effectively in their professional and personal pursuits.

Excellent book. Well over 400 pages. Includes Great index in the back and a fabulous Table of Contents in the front. The book is sectioned, e.g., Part II --Idioms for Everyday Activities and Occasions, chapter 3: Caring for the Body: Eating, Sleeping, and Grooming; chapter 6: Peanuts and Dough: Money; Chapter 9: Common American Phrases and Slang Expressions. Part IV: Idioms by Key Words, including body parts, color, and numbers. There is a lot in this book! Listed above is just touching what you will receive.

It is a MUST for foreign people wanting to master the English language. It is very didactic, has a lot of practical examples, and it is organized according to topics (idioms for business, idioms for love, idioms to describe emotions, etc). There can be other books with more number of idioms, but they are not didactic. This one has the most important and common. You will not need more.There are a lot of idioms in the movies and conversations, and now I can understand them.

I bought this partially for my brother, who doesn't speak English fluidly, and partially for myself, because I'm a nerd like that. The font is large, the idioms aren't very extensive, and some of the explanations are almost insulting in their simplicity. But it is a book of idioms.

It's interesting and keeps you updated on all expressions. It is user-friendly and you can use it if you are teaching English to foreigners.

Every home/office library needs at least one of these. I enjoy just sitting down and reading this like you would any other book. Highly Recommended!!

Compré este libro para mejorar mi puntuación en el examen TOEFL IBT, ya que en este test los "idioms" son muy importantes. Muy válido para las secciones de speaking y de writing. También muy recomendable como lectura para los apasionados del inglés la cultura americana.

One of the best products. Folks who are looking forward to learn American english should not turn a blind eye to this, a must read book. Very informative, easy to comprehend and use in a day to day conversion which makes you sound knowledgeable. The seller sensed my urgency and shipped the product one week prior. Overall experience is commendable.

Interessant zu lesen, allerdings kannte ich sehr viele idiomatische Wendungen schon. Trotzdem lohnt es sich in dem Handbuch zu blättern, weil es viele Formulierungen enthält, die in der Gegenwartssprache tatsächlich verwendet werden, meist auch mit einem Hinweis auf die jeweilige Sprachebene,

Da ich plane längere Zeit in Amerika zu verbringen, leistet mir dieses Idioms-Handbuch gute Dienste. Es ist einfach zu lesen und unterhaltsam gestaltet, sodass das Lernen Spaß macht. Ich kann es nur empfehlen.

Very pleased with this product and service.