Interpret Figures of Speech

What does the allusion in this text suggest?

The swordsman achieved a pyrrhic victory, defeating his opponent while incurring mortal wounds of his own.

• The victory came at a great cost.

• The victory was unexpected.

What does the idiom in this text suggest?

Trudy submitted her suggestions to Jim; now the ball is in his court.

• Jim needs to act next.

• Jim feels like playing or relaxing, not working.

What does the idiom in this text suggest?

In such an unfamiliar environment, Eric was a fish out of water.

• Eric didn't have any friends.

• Eric felt out of place.

What does the idiom in this text suggest?

In September 2013, President Obama stated that he was on the fence about ordering a military strike against Syria.

• The president was undecided about the military strike.

• The president was firmly against the military strike.

What does the simile in this text suggest?

At an annual festival in Turkey, whirling dervishes practice a tradition of spinning like tops to commemorate the teachings of one of their spiritual leaders.

• The dancers play with toys.

• The dancers rotate rapidly.

What does the verbal irony in this text suggest?

For spring allergy sufferers, the botanical garden is as pleasant as a traffic jam.

• The botanical garden is unpleasant for allergy sufferers .

• The botanical garden is noisy and crowded.

What does the metaphor in this text suggest?

Conscience is a man's compass.

• Your conscience can lead you around in circles.

• Your conscience guides you to act the right way.

What does the verbal irony in this text suggest?

"It was my good luck to have to study for a test while all my friends went to the water park," Carter remarked.

• Carter wanted time to catch up on his responsibilities.

• Carter was upset about staying home.

What does the idiom in this text suggest?

I walked across an empty land

I knew the pathway like the back of my hand.

~Keane, "Somewhere Only We Know"

• The singer is in a strange and frightening place.

• The singer has walked the path many times.

What does the personification in this text suggest?

The trawler plunged into the angry swells of the dark, furious sea.

• The sea was deep in color.

• The sea was fierce.