Metaphors Be with You: An A to Z Dictionary of History's Greatest Metaphorical Quotations

Respected quotation anthologist and author of Oxymoronica and Viva la Repartee Dr. Mardy Grothe is at his best in Metaphors Be with You, an A to Z dictionary of 2,750 of history’s greatest metaphorical quotations, meticulously curated for writers, readers, and quotation lovers everywhere.

In Metaphors Be with You, Dr. Mardy Grothe has created the definitive reference on English’s finest metaphors, sourced from literature, politics, philosophy, Hollywood, religion, sports, comedy, history, religion, pop culture, and more. Arranged into two sections—“The Ten Best Things Ever Said” and “The Single Best Thing Ever Said”—Metaphors Be with You includes quotations on five hundred human interest topics and an introduction to the nature, importance, and sheer joy of metaphorical language.

Essential for writers, readers, and language aficionados, this breathtaking, beautifully designed sourcebook also contains elegantly integrated digital access to Dr. Mardy’s Dictionary of Metaphorical Quotations, the world’s largest online database of quotations containing metaphors, similes, and analogies. This one-of-a-kind synergy between print and technology offers a comprehensive look at the diversity of words and phrases we use to relate to, understand, and describe our world by providing access to detailed source information, innumerable "Error Alerts," and fascinating quotation backstories that will engage readers as they delve into metaphorical language and discover their own favorites.

Whether you’re crafting a speech, writing a novel, or simply searching for new ways to express yourself, this remarkable compendium is sure to inspire you with the perfect metaphor every time.

Harness the power of the perfect phrase with features you won’t find in any other quotation dictionary:

• An A-to-Z Dictionary of Quotations: Instantly find 2,750 of history’s greatest metaphorical quotations, meticulously organized by topic for easy browsing and discovery.
• Famous Quotes and Hidden Gems: Discover timeless wisdom from literature, philosophy, and pop culture, all hand-picked by respected quotation expert Dr. Mardy Grothe.
• Metaphors, Similes, and Analogies: Go beyond metaphor with a comprehensive introduction to the nature and power of all major figures of speech.
• Innovative Digital Access: Bridge the gap between print and the web. Scan QR codes to unlock the world’s largest online database of metaphorical quotations on your smartphone or tablet.
• Verified Sources and Backstories: Use quotes with confidence. The integrated online database provides detailed source information, fascinating backstories, and “Error Alerts” to ensure complete accuracy.

For three thousand years, great thinkers and writers have relied on metaphor to articulate profound thoughts, give voice to powerful emotions, and creatively explain complex ideas. But metaphorical language is not the sole province of poets, philosophers, and playwrights. If you’ve ever tried to describe what it’s like to have a broken heart, a thankless child, or a glorious triumph, you know how valuable—and compelling—the perfect metaphor can be.

Essential for writers, readers, and language aficionados, this remarkable sourcebook breaks new ground by using QR Codes to digitally integrate it with Dr. Mardy’s Dictionary of Metaphorical Quotations (DMDMQ), the world’s largest online database of metaphorical quotations. The elegant synergy between print and technology provides detailed source information for all quotations, innumerable “Error Alerts,” and countless quotation backstories for curious readers to further their knowledge and deepen their understanding of favorite quotations.

Sourced from more than five million observations from literature, politics, philosophy, religion, history, pop culture, and more, Dr. Mardy’s meticulously curated compendium is as delightful to read as it is invaluable to own—and sure to inspire with the perfect metaphor every time.

“Mardy Grothe has been wandering on the shores of the English language collecting quotations his whole life. There’s an ocean of quotations out there and he has picked the best in this delightful new book.” - Anu Garg, founder of Wordsmith.org

“This thoughtfully compiled collection of metaphors is a rich resource for writers and a pleasant diversion for lovers of language.” - Shelf Awareness

“Metaphors Be With You is a head-smacking, jaw-dropping compendium of shimmering gems of thought that not only energized, inspired, and entertained me, but powerfully displayed the richness, variety, and strength of metaphor in human discourse. Reading the book, and using the QR Codes, is the equivalent of a mini-liberal-arts education. An engaging read, this book will delight anyone who has ever been moved by a metaphor.” - Rosalie Maggio, author of How to Say It

“Dr. Mardy Grothe’s multi-decade, wide-ranging search has produced a magnificent collection of vivid quotations employing the most expressive figurative language. The topic-based organization is perfect for writers and speakers who require a hilarious barb, a coruscating insight, or a tender thought for an article or speech. Grothe’s encyclopedic knowledge and curatorial eye assure that every page contains well-chosen statements with carefully researched ascriptions that even quotation aficionados have not seen before. In addition, the book innovatively uses QR codes to provide links to a valuable companion website. I am happy to give this book my highest recommendation.” - Garson O'Toole, Quote Investigator and author of Hemingway Didn't Say That: The Truth Behind Familiar Quotations

“Mardy Grothe describes Metaphors Be With You as ‘a museum of quotations’ but, thanks to his innovative use of QR codes linked to an online database, the book is a living, breathing museum of metaphorical masterpieces all language lovers will want to explore.” - James Geary, author of I Is an Other: The Secret Life of Metaphor and How It Shapes the Way We See the World

“Language is metaphor, and the English language never metaphor it didn’t like. In Metaphors Be With You, renowned quotation hunter-gatherer Dr. Mardy Grothe displays the brightest metaphors ever created.” - Richard Lederer, author of Anguished English