IDIOMS An expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its separate words. (RI/L.7.4) By: A. Beth Jones - 2017

CCSS.RI/L.7.4 – Technical Meanings Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone. I can figure out the deeper meanings of words and phrases as they are used in a story/informational text.  I can think and talk about the effects that specific words have on the meaning or tone of a story/informational text.

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE - IDIOMS Students are often required to identify idioms on state reading exams.  Unfortunately, defining idioms is  one of the more elusive parts of figurative language. This is because idioms often use other figurative language techniques (such as simile, metaphor, or hyperbole).

For example, if one examines the idiom “He’s running out of steam For example, if one examines the idiom “He’s running out of steam.” One can conclude that this is a metaphor comparing “him” to a steam engine.  The only thing separating idioms from other figurative language techniques is that people use idioms all the time.  In other words, many idioms are just clichéd figurative expressions. VS.

The Animal Idiom Song! Singing to the tune of “I’ve Got a Feeling” by Black-Eyed Peas, CagedImprove shares some idioms about animals we commonly use. The video will not play on other webpages, so you will have to click the link above and open it in YouTube – Sorry 

Common Idioms in the English Language (click images to follow links) More Examples: Common Idioms in the English Language (click images to follow links)

Text-based webpage with common idiom examples and explanations.

YouTube.com playlist with several common idiom examples and explanations.

Additional practice worksheets and answers can be found at E-ReadingWorksheets.com

I CAN IDIOM!!! Review

After going to the zoo, the mall, and the movies, Cassie was sick of bending over backwards to entertain her nieces. Bending over backwards means … Doing very little Making small efforts Working extremely hard Not trying at all

Bobby would have been playing ball until the cows came home if it hadn’t been for Suzie dragging him away to eat dinner. Until the cows come home means … Quickly Shortly You have to wait for the cows. Forever

3. Mr. Johnson was very particular about the arrangement of his classroom, so the thing he hated most was when his students caused a ruckus with their wild horseplay. Horseplay means … To act like an animal To play sports To wrestle around and goof off To make animal noises

Eric wanted to fix his cousin’s computer, but he was already having problems setting up his aunt’s Wi-Fi network and didn’t want to open a whole new can of worms. Open a whole new can of worms means … Go fishing Be helpful Argue Begin a new task

5. Even though Candace already had a new job, she submitted her two week notice and conducted herself in a professional way at her old job because she didn’t want to burn bridges. Burn bridges means … To ruin a relationship To set a bridge on fire To find a new job To make new friends

6. World renowned country western super group, The Mountain Boys, can sell out an arena at the drop of a hat. At the drop of a hat means … Something will take a long time It can be done quickly Unwilling to perform a task Enforcing a rule or law

7. Vivian expected Craig to sob uncontrollably when she broke up with him; however, Craig kept a stiff upper lip. A stiff upper lip means … To lose control To overreact To cry uncontrollably To not cry or show an emotional state

To be extremely prepared To impress someone To disappoint someone 8. Mrs. Jones was worried we wouldn’t understand the instructions; but Cassie and I have been working on our presentation every night for the last week, so it is going to knock her socks off. Knock her socks off means … To be unprepared To be extremely prepared To impress someone To disappoint someone

I Can Idiom – Practice Key B

elusive /ēˈlo͞osiv/ adjective – meaning difficult to find, catch, or achieve; difficult to remember or recall synonyms: ambiguous, baffling, impalpable, indefinable, intangible, subtle, tricky

cliché /klēˈSHā/ noun – meaning a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought synonyms: buzzword, familiar, proverb, saying, slogan, vapid expression

References: Mr. Morton of EREADING WORKSHEETS. “Idiom Worksheets and Tests.” E- ReadingWorksheets. NA. E-ReadingWorksheets. January 28, 2017. http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/figurative-language/idiom-worksheets/ Noragami. “Teaching Idioms and Phrasal Verbs Through ‘Harry Potter’ Film Series in High School.” mind42. 2007-2017. Stefan Schuster. January 28, 2017. https://mind42.com/public/9ee74dc6-8d20-482d-aec0-88dd6fcd9fd1 “Mix – Idioms in Songs.” YouTube.com. Various. YouTube.com. January 28, 2017. https://youtu.be/JFmiGojGPIQ?list=RDJFmiGojGPIQ