Sayings to Live Your Life by

Metaphors, aphorisms, idioms, figures of speech, and adages are all similar concepts in modern language. They all impart some sort of implied meaning that extends beyond the words they consist of. Even if the individual words are understood, an unfamiliar saying may trigger a puzzled expression and a need for explanation. But once clarified, these phrases are accepted and used regularly to the extent that they have been universally adopted.

Sayings to Live Your Life By is an examination of the odd world of the metaphor and its various counterparts for curious readers with a knack for linguistics. What are the raw meanings behind these sayings? How did they originate? How have they become a part of common speech? These questions are addressed for the commonly used phrases collected here.

Gregg Arthur Southgate breaks down selected examples in an effort to find their meaning and purpose. While often nonsensical on the surface, metaphorical statements are used to help analyse difficult situations, provide a degree of simplicity in challenging decisions, and allow communication of events and circumstances. Their connection to intangible and complicated subjects such as philosophy and morality is vital, offering a way to put the indescribable into words.