English is incredibly rich language, full of colorful and unusual phrases and expressions. This entertaining book illuminates the question of why we say the things we say. The Real McCoy gives the fascinating stories behind hundreds of the most interesting and commonly used idioms in the English language-from 'black sheep' to 'mad hatter' they're all here. Each phrase has been thoroughly researched to uncover its origins and the way it has been used in the past. The book includes a section focusing on idioms linked by a common theme, such as phrases coined by Shakespeare, nautical phrases, or phrases with Biblical origin.Written in a lively and approachable style,The Real McCoy includes specially commissioned cartoons to illustrate the idioms making this great book a truly entertaining look at the colorful side of the English language.