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Worksheets

Adages Proverbs Idioms

Total questions: 25

Worksheet time: 25mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

What is a proverb?

a)

A saying about something in a culture.

b)

Words that begin with the same letters.

c)

Phrases that have a different meaning.

d)

A short, wise saying that offers advice or wisdom about how to make choices or live your life.

2.

What is an Idiom?

a)

A figure of speech. Has a different meaning than what it says.

b)

Compares two things.

c)

Words that begin with the same letters.

d)

Sentences to confuse readers.

3.

What is an adage?

a)

Phrases that have different meanings.

b)

A wise saying about something that is believed to be true in a culture.

c)

Words that begin with the same letter.

4.

Which of the following is the correct definition of a proverb or adage?

a)

A group of words that do not really mean what they say 

b)

Comparing two unlike words using "like" or "as"

c)

An old saying that is believed to be true and is meant to be advice on how to live

d)

Comparing two unlike words not using "like" or "as"

5.

What does this adage/proverb mean?

a)

To pour water into cups

b)

To talk about badly about someone

c)

To put beans into a pot

d)

To reveal secret information

6.

What does this adage/proverb mean?

"You are on the ball today!"

a)

To be quick to understand something

b)

To dribble a basketball

c)

To be sitting on a yoga ball

d)

To be slow to understand something

7.

What does this adage/proverb mean?

"I am feeling under the weather."

a)

Feeling wonderful

b)

To feel the sun shine on you

c)

Not feeling well

d)

To be caught in a rain storm

8.

What does this adage/proverb mean?

"Let the cat out of the bag."

a)

To tell a secret

b)

To refuse to speak

c)

To release someone's pet

d)

To be very talkative

9.

What does this adage/proverb mean?

"I am getting cold feet."

a)

To be very cold

b)

To be angry about something

c)

To be nervous about something

d)

To be a good listener

10.

Which sentence uses the adage below the correct way?

a)

The test was really easy.

b)

This quiz was a piece of cake.

c)

After dinner, I asked my mom for a piece of cake.

d)

The question she asked was hard to answer.

11.

a)

A

b)

B

c)

C

d)

D

12.

I will believe you when pigs fly!

a)

I believe pigs will fly.

b)

I believe you.

c)

I can trust you.

d)

It is unlikely that I will believe you.

13.

What does this adage/proverb mean?"Would you lend me a hand?"

a)

To let someone borrow something

b)

To spend time with someone

c)

To help someone out

d)

To tattle on someone

14.

How are you feelings about being able to identify (say which kind) and interpret (say the meaning of) idioms, adages, and proverbs?

a)

I could teach this I'm so awesome at it.

b)

I've mostly got it.

c)

I need some more practice.

d)

I am out berry picking as the Norwegians would say. I don't get it at all.

15.

What does "a piece of cake" mean?

a)

A slice of cake.

b)

Eating a piece of cake.

c)

Something is easy.

16.

What does "break a leg" mean?

a)

Wanting someone to break their leg.

b)

Good luck!

c)

Wanting someone to get hurt.

17.

What does "don't judge a book by its cover" mean?

a)

Choose a new book.

b)

Don't choose a book because you don't like the color of it.

c)

You shouldn't judge a situation by how it looks like on the outside.

18.

What does "practice makes perfect" mean?

a)

You will learn by doing something many times.

b)

Do your homework.

c)

Nobody is perfect.

19.

Is the phrase "It's raining cats and dogs" an idiom?

a)

Yes

b)

No

20.

What does "hold your horses" mean?

a)

Grab some horses.

b)

Slow down!

c)

Go to a farm and find some horses.

21.

What is the difference between an adage and a proverb?

a)

A) An adage is a short, wise saying, while a proverb is a long, detailed story.

b)

B) An adage is a wise saying that has been used for a long time, while a proverb is a short, wise saying that offers advice.

c)

C) An adage is a modern saying, while a proverb is an ancient saying.

d)

D) An adage is a saying that is not widely known, while a proverb is a saying that everyone knows.

22.

Which of the following is an example of an idiom?

a)

A) The early bird catches the worm.

b)

B) Actions speak louder than words.

c)

C) It's raining cats and dogs.

d)

D) A stitch in time saves nine.

23.

What does the idiom 'spill the beans' mean?

a)

A) To make a mess.

b)

B) To reveal a secret.

c)

C) To cook beans.

d)

D) To eat quickly.

24.

Identify the proverb in the following sentence: 'A penny saved is a penny earned.'

a)

A) A penny saved is a penny earned.

b)

B) A penny saved.

c)

C) A penny earned.

d)

D) Saved is earned.

25.

Which sentence uses an adage correctly?

a)

A) She was as busy as a bee, which is an adage.

b)

B) He said, 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do,' which is an adage.

c)

C) The cat's out of the bag, which is an adage.

d)

D) It's a piece of cake, which is an adage.