Idioms, Proverbs and Adages

After Maya told everyone about the surprise party, her brother said, "You really let the cat out of the bag!" What does the idiom let the cat out of the bag mean?

• To buy a new pet

• To tell a secret that was supposed to be kept hidden

• To be scared of cats

• To make a big mess

Answer explanation

The idiom 'let the cat out of the bag' means to reveal a secret, often accidentally. Maya revealed the secret of the surprise party.

Match each proverb to its correct meaning.

• Don't rely on something good happening until it has actually happened.

• Don't count your chickens before they hatch.

• The person who starts early on a task has the best chance of success.

• Two heads are better than one.

• It's easier to solve a problem with two people working on it than one.

• The early bird gets the worm.

Answer explanation

Each proverb is matched with its traditional meaning. 'Don't count your chickens...' warns against premature celebration, 'The early bird...' praises starting early, and 'Two heads...' highlights the value of collaboration.

When Liam finished the difficult puzzle in just five minutes, he said, "That was a piece of cake!" What does the idiom a piece of cake mean?

• Something that is very easy to do

• A reward for finishing a task

• A desire to eat dessert

• Something that is confusing

Answer explanation

The idiom 'a piece of cake' is used to describe a task or activity that is extremely easy to complete. The puzzle was easy for Liam.

Sort these common sayings into the correct categories: Idiom or Proverb/Adage.

Groups:

(a) Idiom

,

(b) Proverb/Adage

• Actions speak louder than words

• Break a leg

• A stitch in time saves nine

• Bite the bullet

Answer explanation

Idioms are phrases where the meaning isn't literal (e.g., 'break a leg' means 'good luck'). Proverbs and adages are short sayings that give advice or state a general truth (e.g., 'actions speak louder than words').

Which sentence uses an idiom to show that someone is in a difficult or awkward situation?

• I have to finish my homework soon.

• I forgot my lunch and my wallet, so I'm really in a pickle.

• My friend is on top of the world after winning the game.

• I need to get my skates on or I'll be late.

Answer explanation

The idiom 'in a pickle' means to be in a difficult or troublesome situation. Forgetting both lunch and a wallet is a difficult situation.

Your teacher reminds the class, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket when studying for the final exam." What is the teacher advising you to do?

• To study only the most important chapter.

• To not carry too many things at once.

• To not risk everything on the success of one single plan.

• To ask a friend for their notes.

Answer explanation

The proverb 'don't put all your eggs in one basket' advises against depending on only one thing for success. The teacher means students should study multiple topics, not just one.

Match each idiom to its figurative meaning.

• To be very expensive

• Hit the hay

• To become too scared to do something

• On the ball

• To be alert and quick to understand

• Get cold feet

• To go to bed

• Cost an arm and a leg

Answer explanation

Each idiom is matched with its non-literal meaning. 'Cost an arm and a leg' means expensive, 'hit the hay' means go to bed, 'on the ball' means alert, and 'get cold feet' means to become nervous.

If a friend tells you, "I have butterflies in my stomach" before going on stage for the school play, how are they most likely feeling?

• Hungry

• Excited

• Nervous or anxious

• Sick

Answer explanation

The idiom 'butterflies in my stomach' describes the fluttery, nervous feeling a person gets in their stomach when they are anxious or worried about something, like performing in front of an audience.

Sort these situations based on the proverb that best applies to each one.

Groups:

(a) Look before you leap.

,

(b) A bad workman blames his tools.

,

(c) Many hands make light work.

,

(d) The early bird gets the worm.

• Blaming your pencil for a bad grade on a test.

• Working with a partner to finish a large project faster.

• Jumping into a pool without checking if there is water.

• Finishing your homework on Friday so you can relax all weekend.

Answer explanation

Each situation illustrates a proverb: acting without thinking is 'look before you leap,' blaming objects for your mistakes is 'a bad workman blames his tools,' teamwork is 'many hands make light work,' and acting early for a better outcome is 'the early bird gets the worm.'

Which of the following sentences contains an idiom?

• My dad is a very tall man.

• It is raining very hard outside.

• We should leave now or we will be late.

• My coach told me to break a leg before the big game.

Answer explanation

An idiom is a phrase with a figurative meaning. 'Break a leg' is an idiom that means 'good luck.' The other sentences are literal.