When a Loose Cannon Flogs a Dead Horse... - Book

A salty collection of over 250 words, phrases and sayings that have become common in English usage. Arranged alphabetically and each entry is accompanied by a full explanation of origins and use. For lovers of English and the sea.

Olivia A. Isil traces the metaphors and colloquialisms of everyday English back to their nautical origins. Entries run alphabetically from A1 (the best) to wishy-washy (inconstant), documenting the history and meaning of each word or phrase. Readers learn the seagoing roots of expressions they use without a second thought, including the loose cannon, the dead horse and the devil to pay of the title.

International Marine published the book in 1996. It includes a bibliography and an index, and it makes a fun gift for word lovers and sailors alike.