Book of Idioms?

Question

I am interesting in finding out the history behind sayings/idioms. Any recommendations?

(ie. why do people say "dead ringer" type of stuff)

Answer 1

Well, you can check David Crystal's books.

He's an authority and his books are quite witty.

Among others he authored  The English Language Encyclopedia.

There is also "Red Herrings and White Elephants : The Origins of the Phrases We Use Everyday" by Albert Jack

"I Didn't Know That : From ''Ants in the Pants'' to ''Wet Behind the Ears''-the Unusual Origins of the Things We Say"  by Karlen Evins  (Editor)

Dictionary of Word Origins : A History of the Words, Expressions & Cliches We Use  by Jordan Almond

And those are the ones I have.

I share your interest.

Answer 2

There are books that go into this sort of thing. Try a good bookstore or your library.