Idioms, Proverbs, and Adages CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.5.B: Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs Created by NJSPEDTeach

What is an idiom? An idiom is an expression whose meaning cannot be predicted from the usual meanings of its constituent elements. (Webster’s Dictionary) The meaning of an idiom is metaphorical rather than literal. It is not a result of the compositional function of its parts. The grammatical form of an idiom is invariable and fixed (cannot be changed or altered).

Examples of idioms Definition: Sentence: A person who can endure physical or mental hardship; a hardened, strong-willed person Sentence: Even though she broke her leg, she is one tough cookie and never cried in pain.

Examples of idioms Sentence: Definition: Definition: Sentence: Someone who spends a lot of time sitting and watching television. Sentence: Even though she broke her leg, she is one tough cookie and never cried in pain. Definition: A lazy and inactive person Sentence: In order to win the race, Sadie could not be a couch potato; she had to train every day. Couch Potato Couch Potato

Examples of idioms Definition: Sentence: To enter a business or organization at a low level, but with a chance of being more successful in the future Sentence: I think I could get the job if I could only get my foot in the door.

Examples of idioms Definition: Sentence: To focus on what is important I didn't have long to talk to him so I cut to the chase and asked whether he was still married.

Examples of idioms Definition: Sentence: To be very happy about something Sentence: She just bought her first new car and she's on cloud nine.

Idiom Challenge Can you guess what these idioms mean? 1. The cat got your tongue You can’t speak. 2. Let’s hit the road It’s time to go. 3. Don’t rain on my parade Don’t ruin my happiness. 4. I have ants in my pants I have too much energy.

What is a proverb? An proverb is a brief popular saying that gives advice about how people should live or that expresses a belief that is generally thought . (Webster’s Dictionary) A proverb is short and to the point. Proverbs are often metaphorical, express a basic truth or practical precept, and based on common sense or cultural experience.

The Early Bird Catches the Worm Examples of proverbs The Early Bird Catches the Worm Meaning: If you wake up and get to work early, you will succeed.

Every Cloud has a Silver Lining Examples of proverbs Every Cloud has a Silver Lining Meaning: There is something good even in an unpleasant situation.

Practice Makes Perfect Examples of proverbs Practice Makes Perfect Meaning: Doing something over and over again is the only way to learn to do it well.

All That Glitters is Not Gold Examples of proverbs All That Glitters is Not Gold Meaning: Just because something looks attractive does not mean it is genuine or valuable.

Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch Examples of proverbs Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch Meaning: You should not count on something before it happens.

Proverb Practice What do these proverbs mean? 1. The early bird catches the worm If you wake up and get to work early, you will succeed. 2. Every cloud has a silver lining There is something good even in an unpleasant situation. 3. Practice makes perfect Doing something over and over again is the only way to learn to do it well. 4. All that glitters is not gold Just because something looks attractive doesn’t mean it is genuine or valuable. 5. Don’t catch your chickens before they hatch You should not count on something before it happens.

What is an adage? An adage is an old and well-known saying that expresses a general truth. (Webster’s Dictionary) In many cases, adages happen to be long standing experiences that achieve credibility in the eyes of the people because of their use. Adages and proverbs are use interchangeably.

Don’t judge a book by its cover Examples of adages Don’t judge a book by its cover Meaning: You shouldn't prejudge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone.

Examples of adages Look Before You Leap Meaning: Think carefully about what you are about to do before you do it.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words Examples of adages Actions Speak Louder Than Words Meaning: What you do is more important than what you say.

Examples of adages Haste Makes Waste Meaning: Hurrying will cause you to make mistakes.

Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire Examples of adages Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire Meaning: If it looks like something is wrong, something probably is wrong.

Adage Practice What do these adages mean? 1. Don’t judge a book by its cover You shouldn't prejudge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone 2. Look before you leap Think carefully about what you are about to do before you do it 3. Actions speak louder than words What you do is more important than what you say 4. Haste makes waste Hurrying will cause you to make mistakes 5. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire If it looks like something is wrong, something probably is wrong

Let’s Review! What is an idiom? An old and well-known saying that expresses a general truth An expression whose meaning cannot be predicted from the usual meanings of its constituent elements A brief popular saying that gives advice about how people should live or that expresses a belief that is generally thought

Let’s Review! What is a proverb? An old and well-known saying that expresses a general truth An expression whose meaning cannot be predicted from the usual meanings of its constituent elements A brief popular saying that gives advice about how people should live or that expresses a belief that is generally thought

Let’s Review! What is an adage? An old and well-known saying that expresses a general truth An expression whose meaning cannot be predicted from the usual meanings of its constituent elements A brief popular saying that gives advice about how people should live or that expresses a belief that is generally thought

Idioms, Proverbs, and Adages Read the following paragraph and identify the proverb. Jillian was excited to try out for the cheerleading squad. She got up early every day to practice her cartwheels and back handsprings so that she could impress the judges on the day of tryouts. After school, Jillian spent another hour memorizing her cheers. By the time the day of tryouts had arrived, Jillian knew that she would make it on the squad. Her mother had told her, “Practice makes perfect.” Jillian’s hard work finally paid off when she was the first pick for the cheerleading squad that day.

Idioms, Proverbs, and Adages The proverb is: Jillian was excited to try out for the cheerleading squad. She got up early every day to practice her cartwheels and back handsprings so that she could impress the judges on the day of tryouts. After school, Jillian spent another hour memorizing her cheers. By the time the day of tryouts had arrived, Jillian knew that she would make it on the squad. Her mother had told her, “Practice makes perfect.” Jillian’s hard work finally paid off when she was the first pick for the cheerleading squad that day.

Idioms, Proverbs, and Adages Read the following paragraph and identify the idiom. Just out of college, Jim was enthusiastic about starting his new career in broadcast journalism. For years he had dreamed of one day delivering the latest news on his favorite television station. What he didn’t know was that there were hundreds of other young, talented graduates who had the same dream as he did. The competition was fierce, and Jim became discouraged when he wasn’t hired by his favorite station. If he could just get his foot in the door, he would have a chance to move up at the station and become the famous broadcaster he envisioned.

Idioms, Proverbs, and Adages The idiom is: Just out of college, Jim was enthusiastic about starting his new career in broadcast journalism. For years he had dreamed of one day delivering the latest news on his favorite television station. What he didn’t know was that there were hundreds of other young, talented graduates who had the same dream as he did. The competition was fierce, and Jim became discouraged when he wasn’t hired by his favorite station. If he could just get his foot in the door, he would have a chance to move up at the station and become the famous broadcaster he envisioned.

Idioms, Proverbs, and Adages Read the following paragraph and identify the adage. It was the first day of middle school and Sarah was excited to meet new friends. Upon arriving at her first class, she sat down next to a pretty girl wearing the latest designer fashions. Since Sarah’s family could not afford to buy her expensive clothes, she wore her sister’s old hand me downs. As she glanced over at the girl sitting next to her, she was embarrassed and did not make eye contact with her. Sarah thought the girl would never talk to her and would not want to be her friend. To her surprise, the girl complimented Sarah on her long, brown hair. It just goes to show you can’t judge a book by it’s cover.

Idioms, Proverbs, and Adages Read the following paragraph and identify the adage. It was the first day of middle school and Sarah was excited to meet new friends. Upon arriving at her first class, she sat down next to a pretty girl wearing the latest designer fashions. Since Sarah’s family could not afford to buy her expensive clothes, she wore her sister’s old hand me downs. As she glanced over at the girl sitting next to her, she was embarrassed and did not make eye contact with her. Sarah thought the girl would never talk to her and would not want to be her friend. To her surprise, the girl complimented Sarah on her long, brown hair. It just goes to show you can’t judge a book by it’s cover.

Idioms, Proverbs, and Adages What is one question you have? What is one thing you learned? Your Turn!