The Big Picture: Idioms as Metaphors by Kevin King

This year Santa generously left this treasure under my Christmas tree: The Big Picture: Idioms as Metaphors by Kevin King. (By the way, Kevin is my co-worker, who used to teach at Harvard. I know. I never seize to admire my co-workers at the Intensive English Program of Souther New Hampshire University. )

The book explains the origins of most popular American idioms, their meanings, and offers a variety of practice activities. Honestly, I've worked with several books of idioms, but this one by far is the best one I've ever seen.

The Big Picture consists of 15 chapters, each grouped by their metaphorical meaning.
I loved the book so much that decided to upload all the idioms and their meanings on Quizlet. I'm sure you will also find this helpful. Enjoy! These Quizlet sets will make studying American idioms easy and fun. However, having the textbook in front of you, will only add to your knowledge.

Chapter 1: Ideas are Balls. Ideas are Food 

Chapter 2: Ideas are Sharp Instruments. Ideas are Commodities

Chapter 3: Knowledge is Light. Knowledge is Territory. Knowledge is a a Path

Chapter 4: An Argument is a Vehicle. An Argument is a Construction. An Argument is a Battle

Chapter 5: Emotions are a Force. Emotional Trauma is a Storm. Extreme Emotion is Death. Anger is Explosion. Emotional Normalcy is Togetherness

Chapter 6: Money is Blood. Money is Food

Chapter 7: Money is Dirty. Bottom is Source (of Money)

Chapter 8: Control is Contact. Control is Hand Contact. Control is Contact via Strings 

Chapter 9: People are Food. People are Animals

Chapter 10: Life is a Journey

Chapter 11: Life is a Journey

Chapter 12: Life is a Race. Problems are Constraints on a Traveler. Problems are Barriers on a Journey

Chapter 13: Life is a Game

Chapter 14: Life is a Game

Chapter 15: Life is a Game