Description

Book Synopsis
A fascinating, attractively illustrated collection of household sayings with their origins and meanings.A charming, attractively illustrated collection of household sayings with their origins and meanings.Mothballs and Elbow Grease explores the impact and influence of domestic chores and household items that have become woven into the fabric of everyday life and speech.From the origins of words like ''charwoman'' and ''pantry'' to those turns of phrase which have acquired a broader meaning, such as ''handle with kid gloves'' and ''it will all come out in the wash'', this fascinating book pieces together the intriguing background to many widely-used expressions which have their roots set in the domestic life of bygone days.

Mothballs and Elbow Grease

    Product form

    £6.64

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £6.99 – you save £0.35 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Mon 3 Aug 2026.

    A Hardback by National Trust

    Out of stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Mothballs and Elbow Grease by National Trust

      Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 5/5/2011
      ISBN13: 9781907892165, 978-1907892165
      ISBN10: 1907892168

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      A fascinating, attractively illustrated collection of household sayings with their origins and meanings.A charming, attractively illustrated collection of household sayings with their origins and meanings.Mothballs and Elbow Grease explores the impact and influence of domestic chores and household items that have become woven into the fabric of everyday life and speech.From the origins of words like ''charwoman'' and ''pantry'' to those turns of phrase which have acquired a broader meaning, such as ''handle with kid gloves'' and ''it will all come out in the wash'', this fascinating book pieces together the intriguing background to many widely-used expressions which have their roots set in the domestic life of bygone days.

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account