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

2. 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.

3. 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).

4. 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.

25. 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 

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

27. Text-based webpage with common idiom examples and explanations.

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

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

30. I CAN IDIOM!!!
Review

31. 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

32. 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

33. 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

34. 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

35. 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

36. 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

37. 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

38. 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

39. I Can Idiom – Practice KeyB

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

41. 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

42. References:
Mr. Morton of EREADING WORKSHEETS. “Idiom Worksheets and Tests.” E- ReadingWorksheets. NA. E-ReadingWorksheets. January 28, Noragami. “Teaching Idioms and Phrasal Verbs Through ‘Harry Potter’ Film Series in High School.” mind Stefan Schuster. January 28, “Mix – Idioms in Songs.” YouTube.com. Various. YouTube.com. January 28,