Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable

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Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, sometimes referred to simply as Brewer's, is a reference work containing definitions and explanations of many famous phrases, allusions and figures, whether historical or mythical.
The "Revised and Updated Edition" from the 1890s is now in the public domain, and web-based versions are available online.
The most recent version is the 19th edition, published in August 2012 by Chambers Harrap Publishers.