The Crossword Phrase Dictionary by R.J. Edwards.

[Vimto]

I have a copy of the above book which was originally published in 1981 by Stanley Paul who are/were part of the Hutchinson group. It is an immensley helpful volume for all phrases to which I have added many hundreds myself over the years. Alas it is almost no more due to wear and tear and it requires replacing. It would seem it is now long out of print and the only place I can find a copy is in Abe books but at what a cost! Does anyone know where I can find a copy that won't break the bank (ha ha - what bank)? A similar title may help if any other publisher has produced one.

[BigDave44]

Have a look at this - I haven't seen it, but it sounds useful:

http://www.crosswordsolver.org/forum/4291/dict ionary-of-crossword-phrases

[Vimto]

Hello Big Dave, many thanks; I've had a look at it and it sounds the perfect replacement. I'm very grateful.

[Christiana]

Another type of phrase dictionary, organised quite differently from the above is Chambers Phrase File by Roger Prebble which uses the number of words in the clue and lists all phrases in those words in a very methodical manner. I obtained mine recently through Amazon.
I should think both would be very useful, as the Phrase File isn't linked to any particular word in the way the other one is, but is tailored to the number of words in the answer.

[Totterdown]

I have been looking for ages for Chambers Phrase File by Roger Prebble as I find it very useful but the one I have is literally falling to pieces. So I was quite interested to read about obtaining one from Amazon. However, at the moment they only have two, both used. One �14.99 plus �2.75 postages, described as having loose pages and very creased cover. So don't want to take a chance on that one. The other would come from America and cost �174!!! Think it must be encrusted with gold! I think I will give that a miss too. I would dearly like to track a reasonably priced one and cannot understand why it is not now in print.

[Christiana]

I think you probably need to keep checking on Amazon, Totterdown. I'm not sure but I think it may have been your plea on here that led me to look for it and I found it first go It was second hand, but in very good condition. I can't remember the price, now, but less than you quote, and certainly not the gold plated edition!