The Meaning of Idioms

Eric wants to get Chinese food. Lindsey wants to get Mexican food. But Marcy is on the fence.

What is the meaning of "on the fence?"

• She is sitting on a fence.

• She can't decide what she wants.

• She wants both Chinese and Mexican food.

• She doesn't like either type of food.

Pablo is about to speak in front of a big group. He's never done it before. So, he has butterflies in his stomach.

What is the meaning of "has butterflies in his stomach?"

• He swallowed butterlies.

• He feels like he is sick to his stomach.

• His stomach is being tickled.

• He is nervous about speaking in front of people.

Ken was caught red-handed when he tried to take a cookie before dinner. He thought nobody was watching.

What does it mean if you are "caught red-handed?"

• You were caught doing something naughty.

• Your hands were painted red.

• You were embarrassed.

• You got away with something naughty.

I invited Cara to my party, but she still hasn't said if she's coming. She has left me hanging for two weeks!

What is the meaning of "Left me hanging?"

• You were left hanging on the monkey bars.

• You and your friend were having fun together.

• You were made to wait.

• You went to the party.

Bart has never been able to eat more than half a pizza before. But today, he thinks he can eat a whole one! His eyes are bigger than his stomach.

What is the meaning of "his eyes are bigger than his stomach?"

• He has really BIG eyes!

• He can eat a lot.

• His stomach is really small.

• He thinks he can eat more than he really can.

We want to get a big dog, but Dad isn't sure. He says he'll sleep on it and tell us tomorrow.

What does it mean to "sleep on it?"

• To use the dog as a pillow.

• To get a good nights sleep.

• To think about it overnight.

• To dream about dogs.

We all voted for a class pet today. Everyone had a different idea. Even the teacher put his two cents in.

What does it mean to "put your two cents in?"

• to share your opinion or what you think.

• to give someone 2 pennies.

• to do math in your head.

• to pay the money you owe.

Some people are really good at fractions, but not me. Fractions go over my head.

What is the meaning of "go over my head?"

• I see fractions in the sky.

• It means that it is too hard to understand.

• Fractions are in my head.

• Fractions are above me.

We couldn't wait to go outside and play. When class was over, we made a beeline for the door.

What is the meaning of "made a beeline?"

• made a line of bees to hang above the door.

• you were excited.

• to race your friend.

• moved quickly toward something.

Dustin tried to make his own table. He didn't have a lot of time or money, so he had to cut corners. The table he made was not pretty!

What does it mean to "cut corners?"

• to find ways to save time or money.

• to cut the corners of a paper.

• to make an ugly table.

• to create a pretty picture.