"First published as The concise Oxford dictionary of proverbs, edited by John Simpson, 1982"--Title page verso.

The dictionary gives explanations of the meanings and use of proverbs whenever these are obscure. By means of numerous illustrative quotations it also provides

Contains more than 1000 proverbs current in the 20th century with explanations of their meanings, uses, and origins.

Lists recorded usages and meaning for hundreds of proverbs arranged by key word, from "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" to "Youth must be served."

Little Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs features over 2,000 proverbs and sayings from around the world, arranged across 250 subjects - from 'Books' and 'Borrowing'