Understanding Idiomatic Expressions

IDIOMATIC

EXPRESSIONS

IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS

Idiomatic expressions or simply idioms are phrases that have different meanings from the individual words that make part of it. They express a special meaning when used in context.

COMMON EXAMPLES

• raining cats and dogs means particularly heavy rain

• a piece of cake means easily achievable

• once in a blue moon means something that rarely happens

• went bananas means to get mad or angry

• stand out means to be distinguished

COMMON EXAMPLES

• out of the blue means something that happens unexpectedly

• when pigs fly means something that will never happen

• apple of the eye means very important or favorite

• hold your tongue means be silent or don’t say anything

• under the weather means sick or not feeling well

Multiple Choice

What could the underlined phrase mean?

True friends stick together and remain loyal through thick and thin.

• To remain loyal in both good and bad times.
• To only be loyal during good times.
• To abandon friends in difficult situations.
• To remain indifferent to each other's problems.

Multiple Choice

What could the underlined phrase mean?

"Break a leg, everyone! Tonight's the night to shine."

• It means to celebrate someone's failure.
• It means to take a break during a performance.
• It means to leave the stage immediately.
• It means to wish someone good luck.

Drag and Drop

What idiom best completes the sentence?
Her unique fashion sense made her ​

Placeholder

in the crowd.

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stand out

apple of the eye

went bananas

a piece of cake

Drag and Drop

What idiom best completes the sentence?
I'll finish this project ​

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!

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once in a blue moon

under the weather

when pigs fly

Open Ended

Complete the dialogue below with your response using an idiomatic expression.

Teacher: May I know why you were not able to do your assignment?

You/Student: (Write your answer using an idiomatic expression)

Open Ended

Complete the dialogue below with your response using an idiomatic expression.

Group Leader: I believe that our group will be able to submit a great output.

You/Student: (Write your answer using an idiomatic expression)

​Idiomatic expressions have figurative meanings different from their literal meanings. They are a type of informal language that is widely used for symbolic or creative expression.

We use idioms to add color to our language. By using idioms, we are engaging our readers by making our compositions interesting. The meaning of an idiom is often inferred from the context in which it is used.

Multiple Choice

I promised Sarah I wouldn't spill the beans about her surprise party, but I accidentally let it slip to her brother.

What does spill the bean mean?

• To keep a secret safe
• To cook a dish poorly
• To make a mess of something
• To reveal a secret

Drag and Drop

Which idiom best completes the sentence below?



That new smartphone looks amazing, but it ​

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.

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costs an arm and a leg

spill the beans

break a leg

Drag and Drop

Which idiom best completes the sentence below?



Although they're siblings, they don't always ​

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on political issues.

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hit the sack

call it a day

see eye to eye

Multiple Choice

It's getting late, I think I'll hit the sack.

What does hit the sack mean?

• It means 'I will watch a movie.'
• It means 'I will start working.'
• It means 'I will go to bed.'
• It means 'I will go for a walk.'