CAT'S PYJAMAS, THE - THE PENGUIN BOOK OF CLICHES

From centuries-old sayings, like beggars can't be choosers a friend in need, to today's tried and tested phrases, such as at the end of the day, not fit for purpose and it's not rocket science, the English language seems so full of cliches that sometimes it's hard to see the wood for the trees. Here eagle-eyed word detective Julia Cresswell takes a long hard look at the history of some of the worst (and best) culprits and spills the beans on their curious, often surprising origins. Who would have thought, for example, that mad for it dates back to 1670, a finger in every pie originates with Shakespeare or that lie back and think of England comes from an Edwardian lady's diary? Whether they relate to sport, business, songs, journalism, foodor politics, here is the low-down on those expressions we're all a bit guilty of using too much (day in and day out) and that make our language - whether we like it or not - what it is.