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Worksheets

idioms

Total questions: 111

Worksheet time: 1hrs 11mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Luisa asks her cousin if he’s going to come to her birthday party, and he says, “It’s up in the air.” What does he mean?

a)

He decided to come.

b)

He decided not to come.

c)

He hasn't decided yet if he is going to come or not.

2.

Trini’s co-worker tells her about a problem that may happen. Trini says, “Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it.” What does she mean?

a)

They should deal with the problem right away.

b)

They should wait to deal with the problem when it happens.

c)

They should walk over a bridge.

3.

Carla was very impressed by the fireworks show. It...

a)

cut corners.

b)

killed two birds with one stone.

c)

blew her away.

4.

“I have to find my monkey. I’ll leave no stone unturned!” Raina cried. What does Raina mean?

a)

She will look for her monkey in only a few places.

b)

She will look under stones for her monkey.

c)

She will look everywhere until she finds her monkey.

5.

Jordan tells his crying brother, Jamal, to get a grip. What does Jordan mean?

a)

He wants his brother to grip his hand tightly.

b)

He wants his brother to keep crying.

c)

He wants his brother to calm down and get in control.

6.

The student’s answer to the word problem was exactly right. He...

a)

hit the hay.

b)

hit the nail on the head.

c)

got out of hand.

7.

What does it mean to say that something costs an arm and a leg?

a)

It costs a few limbs.

b)

It's free.

c)

It costs a lot of money.

8.

Deandra didn’t go to school because she was sick. Deandra...

a)

cut her teacher some slack.

b)

killed two birds with one stone.

c)

was under the weather.

9.

After the test, Shane tells Keisha, “That was a piece of cake!” What does Shane mean?

a)

The test was hard.

b)

The test was easy.

c)

The test was all about cake.

10.

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?"

a)

You were caught doing something naughty.

b)

Your hands were painted red.

c)

You were embarrassed.

d)

You got away with something naughty.

11.
What does “she has a green thumb” really mean?
a)
She is really good at gardening.
b)
She spilled green paint  on her thumb.
c)
Her fingernails are painted green.
12.
What does “he’s in hot water” really mean?
a)
His bath water was too hot.
b)
The water is boiling.
c)
He is in big trouble!
13.
What does “I’m all tied up” really mean?
a)
 I can tie a really good knot!
b)
I’m very busy right now.
c)
Help! Someone tied me up.
14.
What does “I’m all ears” really mean?
a)
I am listening very closely to what you have to say.
b)
My ears are too big.
c)
I can hear really well.
15.
What does “she has butterflies in her stomach” really mean?
a)
She has a nervous or anxious feeling.
b)
She swallowed a butterfly.
c)
She feels sick.
16.
 What does “he got up on the wrong side of the bed” really mean?
a)
He hit his head when he got out of bed this morning.
b)
His bed is pushed up against the wall and he can only use one side.
c)
He has been grumpy since he woke up.
17.
What does “zip your lips” really mean?
a)
You need to be quiet.
b)
Your lips are chapped and you need some chap stick.
c)
Your zipper is stuck. 
18.
What does “he’s a couch potato” really mean?
a)
He is planting potatoes under the couch.
b)
He is eating a potato on the couch.
c)
He is lazy and doesn’t move a lot. 
19.

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?"

a)

She is sitting on a fence.

b)

She can't decide what she wants.

c)

She wants both Chinese and Mexican food.

d)

She doesn't like either type of food.

20.

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?"

a)

You were caught doing something naughty.

b)

Your hands were painted red.

c)

You were embarrassed.

d)

You got away with something naughty.

21.

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?"

a)

You were left hanging on the monkey bars.

b)

You and your friend were having fun together.

c)

You were made to wait.

d)

You went to the party.

22.

He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth means...

a)

He was born to a rich family

b)

He was born hungry

c)

He was born with teeth

23.
Which idiom goes the best with this sentence?
I have a problem.
a)
I'm getting a hatI
b)
I'm in a pickle
c)
Don't put all of your eggs in one basket
24.
He likes to toot his own horn really means...
a)
He talks loudly.
b)
He plays in a band.
c)
He brags all the time.
25.
Carla put her foot in her mouth really means...
a)
Carla takes yoga classes.
b)
She said something embarrassing.
c)
Carla ate a snack.
26.
Which idiom goes the best with this sentence?
She memorized something.
a)
You're the apple of my eye.
b)
Knows it by heart
c)
She took me under her wing.
27.
Which idiom goes the best with this sentence?
That's a low price.
a)
That's dirt cheap.
b)
Don't let the bed bugs bite.
c)
Shake a leg.
28.
He's a chip off of the old block really means...
a)
He earns money chopping wood.
b)
He is like his mom or dad.
c)
He used to live here.
29.
Suzy's smile is like a ray of sunshine.
a)
Suzy's smile is bright and pretty.
b)
Suzy is frowning.
c)
Suzy is pouting.
d)
Suzy is smiling.
30.
That boy is in the doghouse.
a)
The boy is sitting in a doghouse.
b)
The boy is happy.
c)
The boy is getting a reward.
d)
The boy is in trouble.
31.
What is an idiom?
a)
A comparison not using like or as
b)
An exaggeration
c)
A phrase that is not meant to be taken literally
d)
The same beginning sounds repeated
32.
What does it really mean? "It's a piece of cake."
a)
Something is easy.
b)
Something is delicious.
c)
Something is soft and warm. 
33.
He is one tough cookie.
a)
He eats a lot of cookies
b)
He likes cookies
c)
He works hard
34.
You are the cat's meow.
a)
You have soft voice
b)
You are something special
c)
Your voice is raspy
35.
Which idiom goes the best with this sentence?
It's time to take your turn.
a)
It's raining cats and dogs
b)
The ball is in your court
c)
Reach for the stars
36.
Which idiom goes the best with this sentence?
John met the President.
a)
John rubbed elbows with the President
b)
John was a cheetah
c)
John pulled the wool over his eyes.
37.
Which idiom goes the best with this sentence?
I have a problem.
a)
I'm getting a hatI
b)
I'm in a pickle
c)
Don't put all of your eggs in one basket
38.
His name is mud means...
a)
He is in trouble.
b)
His friends call him "Mud".
c)
He loves to play with mud.
39.
He likes to toot his own horn really means...
a)
He talks loudly.
b)
He plays in a band.
c)
He brags all the time.
40.
Carla put her foot in her mouth really means...
a)
Carla takes yoga classes.
b)
She said something embarrassing.
c)
Carla ate a snack.
41.
Which idiom goes the best with this sentence?
I'm tired. Let's go to bed.
a)
Let's hit the hay.
b)
He tried not to "make waves".
c)
Stuck between a rock and a hard place.
42.
The boy "cried wolf" means...
a)
He asked for help when he didn't need it.
b)
He shouted very loudly.
c)
He complained all the time.
43.
She is walking on eggshells means...
a)
She is learning how to walk.
b)
She is in the chicken coop.
c)
She is trying not to upset anyone.
44.
Which idiom goes the best with this sentence?
She memorized something.
a)
You're the apple of my eye.
b)
Knows it by heart
c)
She took me under her wing.
45.
He's a chip off of the old block really means...
a)
He earns money chopping wood.
b)
He is like his mom or dad.
c)
He used to live here.
46.
Which idiom goes the best with this sentence?
There is trouble ahead.
a)
He had to pay through the nose.
b)
There's a snake in the grass.
c)
Read between the lines.
47.
Keep your chin up really means...
a)
Don't feel bad. Stay positive.
b)
Don't look down.
c)
You did horrible.
48.

What does "all ears" mean?

a)

listening carelly

b)

Everything is going your way

c)

You're in big trouble

d)

You feel very happy

49.

What does he’s "in hot water” really mean?

a)

His bath water was too hot.

b)

The water is boiling.

c)

He is in trouble

d)

He is really worried.

50.

"A dime a dozen" means

a)

Something that is very common or not valuable

b)

An issue, person, or problem that someone is trying to avoid

c)

Doing a good job, being prompt, or being responsible

d)

Having a lot of money

51.

"Once in a blue moon" means

a)

The last difficulty or annoyance that makes the entire situation unbearable

b)

Something that doesn’t happen very often

c)

Damaging a relationship beyond repair

d)

Things always get worse before they get better

52.

If something "costs an arm and a leg" it means

a)

Something really hurts your arms and legs

b)

It is really expensive

c)

Being treated the way that you have been treating others

d)

Not holding someone responsible for something

53.

What is an idiom?

a)

Words that have different meanings.

b)

A device used to confuse the reader.

c)

A word or phrase that does not mean what it says.

d)

A group of words that begin with the same sound.

54.

What does it mean to "get cold feet?"

a)

To have cold feet.

b)

To wear socks.

c)

To have really warm feet.

d)

To be nervous.

55.

What does "cry over spilled milk" mean?

a)

To be upset about something that can't be changed

b)

Accidentally spilling a liquid

c)

Slipping and falling over milk

d)

When your tears look like milk

56.

What does it mean to "beat around the bush?"

a)

To get upset over something

b)

To confront someone who has a problem

c)

To go for a walk in a park

d)

To avoid talking about something

57.

What is a "bed of roses?"

a)

A bed filled with flowers

b)

A hard situation

c)

An easy situation

d)

An easy test

58.

To "spill the beans" means to...

a)

to avoid someone

b)

to cry a lot

c)

to keep a secret

d)

to tell a secret

59.

What does it mean to "bite off more than you can chew?"

a)

Trying to accomplish a task that is too big for you

b)

Trying to avoid a situation

c)

To eat too much junk food

d)

To eat food that is too big for your mouth

60.

To "miss the boat" means to...

a)

to miss someone

b)

to be really excited about something

c)

miss out on an opportunity

d)

to challenge yourself

61.

When someone says "actions speak louder than words" it means...

a)

everyone needs to speak loudly

b)

people should be careful of their actions

c)

What you do is not important

d)

What you do is more important than what you say

62.

What does a "piece of cake" mean?

a)

Being in trouble

b)

Being worried

c)

Something very easy

d)

Something very difficult.

63.

What does it mean to "Go fly a kite"?

a)

Go away and stop bothering me.

b)

You feel that you need to spend your money at once.

c)

Fast pace, busy schedule, usually associated with living and working in the city

64.

What does "rat race" mean?

a)

Fast pace, busy schedule, usually associated with living and working in the city

b)

You're embarrassed because you made a mistake and everyone knows about it.

c)

You feel that you need to spend your money at once.

d)

People who enjoy the same things, do the same things together

65.

What does "egg on my face" mean?

a)

You're embarrassed because you made a mistake and everyone knows about it.

b)

a barrel of laughs, a lot of fun

c)

You're embarrassed because you made a mistake and everyone knows about it.

d)

You feel that you need to spend your money at once.

66.

What does "money burns a hole in my pocket" mean?

a)

You feel that you need to spend your money at once.

b)

Go away and stop bothering me.

c)

a barrel of laughs, a lot of fun

d)

People who enjoy the same things, do the same things together

67.

What does "more fun than a barrel of monkeys" mean?

a)

a barrel of laughs, a lot of fun

b)

You're embarrassed because you made a mistake and everyone knows about it.

c)

Fast pace, busy schedule, usually associated with living and working in the city

d)

Go away and stop bothering me.

68.

What does "birds of a feather flock together" mean?

a)

People who enjoy the same things, do the same things together

b)

a barrel of laughs, a lot of fun

c)

Go away and stop bothering me.

d)

Fast pace, busy schedule, usually associated with living and working in the city

69.

What does "burn the candle on both ends" mean?

a)

Working too many hours without a break

b)

It is raining very hard.

c)

You feel very happy

d)

You're in big trouble

70.

What does "on cloud nine" mean?

a)

You feel very happy

b)

You're in big trouble

c)

Everything is going your way

d)

listening intently

71.

What does "like finding a needle in the haystack" mean?

a)

looking for something small in a huge space

b)

sometimes it is easier to understand a picture than a description

c)

listening intently

d)

Everything is going your way

72.

What does "a picture is worth a thousand words" mean?

a)

sometimes it is easier to understand a picture than a description

b)

looking for something small in a huge space

c)

listening intently

d)

Everything is going your way

73.

What does "in the dog house" mean?

a)

You're in big trouble

b)

Everything is going your way

c)

listening intently

d)

It is raining very hard.

74.

What does "got the world by a string" mean?

a)

Everything is going your way

b)

You're in big trouble

c)

You feel very happy

d)

listening intently

75.

What does "take the bull by the horns" mean?

a)

Face the problem and take control of it.

b)

You are acting restless or impatient.

c)

something is simple to do

d)

It is raining very hard.

76.

What does "raining cats and dogs" mean?

a)

It is raining very hard.

b)

something is simple to do

c)

A person is daydreaming, not paying attention.

d)

Feelings or emotions are easy to see on your face.

77.

What does "got your head in the clouds" mean?

a)

A person is daydreaming, not paying attention.

b)

Feelings or emotions are easy to see on your face.

c)

Do not wait or you could miss your opportunity.

d)

Face the problem and take control of it.

78.

What does "it's written all over your face" mean?

a)

Feelings or emotions are easy to see on your face.

b)

Do not wait or you could miss your opportunity.

c)

Face the problem and take control of it.

d)

You are acting restless or impatient.

79.

What does "don't let the grass grow under your feet" mean?

a)

Do not wait or you could miss your opportunity.

b)

Face the problem and take control of it.

c)

You are acting restless or impatient.

d)

something is simple to do

80.

Hold your tongue

a)

to be quiet.

b)

you bit your tongue.

c)

holding your tongue because it hurts.

81.

Seeing eye to eye.

a)

Same height as another person.

b)

Someone looking into your eye.

c)

you agree with someone.

82.

In one ear and out the other.

a)

Something fell out of your ear.

b)

You hear but you don't pay attention.

c)

Put a tube through your ear.

83.

Crocodile tears.

a)

Large tears

b)

Collecting tears from a crocodile.

c)

Fake tears.

84.

For the birds.

a)

Feeding birds.

b)

Something that is useless.

c)

A flock of birds.

85.
It cost an arm and a leg means:
a)
it was expensive
b)
I paid with my arm
c)
I paid with my leg
d)
it took my arm and leg
86.

Not being able to take it any more

a)

To give a false alarm.

b)

Drop me a line

c)

I'm at the end of my rope.

d)

To tell someone to go away and stop bothering you.

87.

To give a false alarm.

a)

Make a mountain out of a molehill

b)

Crying wolf

c)

Know something backward and forward

d)

Leave well enough alone

88.

To have control of someone or of a group of people.

a)

Keep one's chin up

b)

Let's call it a day.

c)

Go fly a kite

d)

Eating out of your hand

89.

To say we should be finished for today.

a)

Let's call it a day.

b)

To get one's wires crossed

c)

to pull someone's leg

d)

tight fisted

90.

Someone who is very frugal and unwilling to spend money unnecessarily.

a)

To pull someone's leg

b)

Keep one's chin up

c)

Tight fisted

d)

Leave well enough alone

91.

To make something seem much more important than it really is.

a)

Make a mountain out of a molehill

b)

Let sleeping dogs lie

c)

To bite off more than one can chew

d)

Bury the hatchet

92.

To do nothing because doing something would make the situation worse.

a)

Let sleeping dogs lie

b)

Leave well enough alone

c)

Tight fisted

d)

Off the hook

93.

To remain brave and be confident in a difficult situation

a)

Leave well enough alone

b)

Keep one's chin up

c)

Off the hook

d)

Go with the flow

94.

A blessing in disguise means

a)

Not performing a task or duty correctly in order to save time or money

b)

Just barely making it

c)

A good thing that initially seemed bad

d)

You have to work hard in order to see results

95.

A dime a dozen means

a)

Something that is very common, not unique

b)

An issue, person, or problem that someone is trying to avoid

c)

Doing a good job, being prompt, or being responsible

d)

doing something that is pointless

96.

Getting a second wind means

a)

Something that is overpriced or very expensive

b)

Having energy again after being tired

c)

Something that is overpriced or very expensive

d)

A task or job that is easy to complete

97.

Giving someone the cold shoulder means

a)

Being in good health

b)

Doing something at the moment of being asked

c)

To not know something

d)

ignoring someone

98.

Throwing caution to the wind means

a)

Taking credit for someone else’s achievements

b)

Something that doesn’t happen very often

c)

Being reckless or taking a risk

d)

Having energy again after being tired

99.

Beating a dead horse means

a)

giving time or energy to something that is ended or over

b)

Just barely making it

c)

The choice or solution has all of the advantages of two contrasting things at the same time

d)

Not feeling well, or feeling sick

100.

Devil’s advocate means

a)

Believing someone’s story without proof even though it may seem unbelievable

b)

Not holding someone responsible for something

c)

A task or job that is easy to complete

d)

To take the side of the counter-argument, or offer an alternative point of view

101.

Like two peas in a pod means

a)

One person usually isn’t the only responsible party

b)

To fail in a spectacular manner

c)

An issue, person, or problem that someone is trying to avoid

d)

Two people who are always together

102.

Going on a wild goose chase means

a)

doing something that is pointless

b)

giving time or energy to something that is ended or over

c)

Making a choice between two unpleasant choices

d)

Sharing information that was intended to be a secret

103.

Hitting the nail on the head means

a)

Performing a task with exactness

b)

Hearing rumors about someone or something

c)

Doing a good job, being prompt, or being responsible

d)

Believing someone’s story without proof even though it may seem unbelievable

104.

Heard it on the grapevine means

a)

Joking with someone

b)

Damaging a relationship beyond repair

c)

Hearing rumors about someone or something

d)

Something has momentum and builds on each other, much like rolling a snowball down a hill to make it bigger

105.

By the skin of your teeth means

a)

Not judging something by its initial appearance

b)

Just barely making it

c)

To get an unfavorable situation or chore over with now because it will need to get finished eventually

d)

The choice or solution has all of the advantages of two contrasting things at the same time

106.

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch means

a)

Not performing a task or duty correctly in order to save time or money

b)

Making a choice between two unpleasant choices

c)

To make a bad situation even worse

d)

Not to count on something happening until after it’s already happened

107.

Letting the cat out of the bag means

a)

ou have to work hard in order to see results

b)

Doing a good job, being prompt, or being responsible

c)

Reading or hearing something from the source

d)

Sharing information that was intended to be a secret

108.

The last straw means

a)

A task or job that is easy to complete

b)

The last difficulty or annoyance that makes the entire situation unbearable

c)

To not know something

d)

Being reckless or taking a risk

109.

Having your head in the clouds means

a)

Something that you never forget how to do

b)

Day dreaming, not paying attention

c)

To fail in a spectacular manner

d)

Someone who is acting crazy or not thinking rationally

110.

Go down in flames means

a)

To fail in a spectacular manner

b)

Things always get worse before they get better

c)

Everyone experiences hard and good times

d)

Enduring a trial or hardship

111.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink

a)

Two people who are always together

b)

Work faster or more efficiently

c)

Day dreaming, not paying attention

d)

You can’t force someone to make what is seemingly the right decision