Year 5 Idioms Flashcard

Front

'Bull in a china shop'

Back

Very clumsy or careless

Answer explanation

The phrase 'bull in a china shop' describes someone who is very clumsy or careless, as a bull would likely cause chaos in a delicate environment like a china shop. Thus, the correct answer is 'Very clumsy or careless'.

Front

What does 'when pigs fly' mean?

Back

Something that is impossible

Answer explanation

The phrase 'when pigs fly' is an idiom used to indicate something that is impossible or highly unlikely to happen. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Something that is impossible'.

Front

in the same boat

Back

To be in a difficult situation together

Answer explanation

The phrase 'in the same boat' means to be in a difficult situation together. It emphasizes shared challenges rather than being happy or in different situations.

Front

What does 'out of the blue' mean?

Back

Something unexpected

Answer explanation

'Out of the blue' means something unexpected, as it describes an occurrence that happens suddenly and without warning, making 'something unexpected' the correct choice.

Front

What does 'to give the cold shoulder' mean?

Back

To ignore someone intentionally

Answer explanation

'To give the cold shoulder' means to intentionally ignore someone, making it the correct choice. The other options suggest warmth or friendliness, which contradicts the meaning of this idiom.

Front

night owl

Back

A person who prefers to be active at night

Answer explanation

A 'night owl' refers to a person who prefers to be active at night, as opposed to waking up early. This term highlights their tendency to stay up late and engage in activities during nighttime.

Front

'To have cold feet'

Back

To be scared to do something planned

Answer explanation

'To have cold feet' means to feel scared or anxious about going through with something planned, often used in the context of events like weddings or important decisions.

Front

What does 'to pull someone's leg' mean?

Back

To joke with someone

Answer explanation

'To pull someone's leg' means to joke with someone, often by teasing or tricking them in a light-hearted way. This idiom does not imply harm or neglect, making 'to joke with someone' the correct interpretation.

Front

What does 'raining cats and dogs' mean?

Back

To rain heavily

Answer explanation

The phrase 'raining cats and dogs' is an idiom that means it is raining heavily. It does not refer to actual animals falling from the sky, making 'to rain heavily' the correct interpretation.

Front

'Piece of cake'

Back

Something very easy

Answer explanation

The phrase 'piece of cake' is an idiom that means something is very easy to do. It contrasts with the other options, which suggest difficulty or size, making 'something very easy' the correct interpretation.