Bees’ Knees and Barmy Armies: Origins of the Words and Phrases We Use Every Day

Why do we call the best of something 'the bees' knees'? What do we really mean by 'the back of beyond'? What makes someone 'as pleased as punch'? Why do we refer to New York as 'The Big Apple'? From ancient idioms to up-to-the minute lingo, this book delves deep into the history behind hundreds of terms in our language.