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Task

The King James Bible

The History of English in 10 minutes - Chapter 4 (OU)
The King James Bible. Video: Open University / CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Comprehension

  1. When was this new Bible printed?
  2. What did it introduce into the English language?
  3. Who are the "salt of the earth"?
  4. Why was this new Bible so important?
  5. What is meant by “metaphors”?

Discussion

Explain the following expressions in your own words:

  • the powers that be
  • go the extra mile
  • filthy lucre
  • a fire and brimstone preacher
  • a wolf in sheep's clothing
  • a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
  • a fly in the ointment

Suggested Further Reading

  1. The Origins of the English Language
  2. Why So Much Variety in English?

Related content

Subject material
English Spreading Worldwide

Over the last 400 years, Britain has won and lost an Empire. Now only the language remains a superpower.