This incisive and witty collection from humor writer Eli Burnstein unpacks commonly misunderstood and enigmatic quotations, revealing what they really mean—and why they still matter.Designed for the curious reader who wants to understand big ideas without the jargon, this is a sharp and light-footed stroll through the world of philosophy, literature, and language.In Phrased & Confused, Burnstein (contributor to publications including the The Ne...

"This delightful book is a tribute to the genius of the human mind for conceptual precision and the beauty of the English language in capturing it. It resolves a great deal of puzzlement over confusable terms, and its endearing illustrations and lighthearted explanations multiply the satisfaction." —Steven Pinker, author of The Language Instinct and RationalityWhat’s the difference between mazes and labyrinths? Proverbs and adages? Clementines and...