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Idioms Worksheet for Grades 5-7

The document contains a worksheet with 15 common idioms and their meanings. For each idiom, students are asked to write the meaning in the provided space. The idioms cover a wide range of topics and contexts, including misleading clues, unintended consequences, secrecy, motivation, bargaining, schadenfreude, falling behind, blame, discretion, savings, danger, distrust, emotional distress, unfair proceedings, and speechlessness.

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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
516 views2 pages

Idioms Worksheet for Grades 5-7

The document contains a worksheet with 15 common idioms and their meanings. For each idiom, students are asked to write the meaning in the provided space. The idioms cover a wide range of topics and contexts, including misleading clues, unintended consequences, secrecy, motivation, bargaining, schadenfreude, falling behind, blame, discretion, savings, danger, distrust, emotional distress, unfair proceedings, and speechlessness.

Uploaded by

analyn lacap
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as RTF, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Name: _______________________________

Idioms 5
Directions: Read each idiom and determine the meaning.
Idiom: A common expression understood figuratively, as the literal definition makes no sense.

1. The mystery novelist decided at the last minute to include an ex-convict, who would later prove to be
innocent, as a suspect in her story; she was using this new character as a red herring.

What is the meaning of this idiom? _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

2. I don’t like the new font that you used on the website, but there is no need to throw the baby out with the
bathwater: just change the font back to the original and I’ll approve the design.

What is the meaning of this idiom? _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

3. If Frank hears that Mandy is going to the dance with Curt, Frank is going to do something regrettable, so let’s
just keep it under wraps for now.

What is the meaning of this idiom? _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Many times the great inventor’s wife would beckon him to return to his room for sleep, but he had a fire in
his belly.

What is the meaning of this idiom? _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Even though the advertised prices at Bork’s Motor-Works were very low, the salesmen will attempt to nickel
and dime you as you attempt to checkout.

What is the meaning of this idiom? _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

6. When I become a rich and famous rapper, all of the people who made fun of me and said that I couldn’t rap,
dance, or match my clothing are going to eat their hearts out.

What is the meaning of this idiom? _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

7. Ever since John missed a week of school due to illness, his grades have been slipping and he has felt behind
the eight ball.

What is the meaning of this idiom? _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________
8. Candy really left me holding the bag when she didn’t do her part of the project and was absent on the day of
the presentation.

What is the meaning of this idiom? _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

9. After losing another match, Kiki asked Douglass if she was getting any better at the video game that they
were playing and Douglass just sort of nodded and bit his tongue.

What is the meaning of this idiom? _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

10. After 40 years of working at the post office and living frugally, Mr. Luther had built up quite a nice nest egg
for his retirement.

What is the meaning of this idiom? _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

11. If the new kid crosses Big Buck during the train car robbery, the kid is going to be pushing up daisies.

What is the meaning of this idiom? _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

12. Mr. Walker didn’t trust his daughter’s new boyfriend because he wore suits and used ten dollar words.

What is the meaning of this idiom? _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

13. Ever since her dog Pookie went missing, Janine has been a real basket case.

What is the meaning of this idiom? _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

14. In the last issue of the school paper, Jamie wrote an article uncovering the practice of serving horse meat in
the cafeteria, and now the principal is trying to bring her before a school council kangaroo court to have her
removed from the journalism club.

What is the meaning of this idiom? _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

15. As the teacher reprimanded Eric, we all expected that he would reply with something smart or witty, but it
seemed as if the cat had gotten his tongue.

What is the meaning of this idiom? _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Common questions

Powered by AI

The idiom "behind the eight ball" implies being in a difficult, disadvantageous, or vulnerable position . The underlying consequence is that the person might face challenges in overcoming obstacles, may struggle to achieve their goals, and could be at risk of negative outcomes since they are not in a favorable position to control or influence their circumstances effectively.

The idiom "left holding the bag" indicates a situation where someone is abandoned with responsibility or blame for something after others have failed to contribute or fulfill their parts . In a group project scenario, social dynamics such as uneven distribution of work, lack of accountability, and poor communication can lead to one individual feeling abandoned with the project's responsibilities. This can occur when other team members do not complete their tasks or support the group effort, leaving the individual with the full burden of completing the work or facing repercussions alone.

The idiom "to nickel and dime" someone refers to making numerous small charges or requiring additional payments that accumulate to a significant amount . In business practices, this implies a seller's strategy might involve initially low prices or offers, but gradually adds extra costs, fees, or upsells. This strategy suggests a lack of transparency and can lead to customer dissatisfaction if the cumulative cost exceeds initial expectations due to numerous minor charges.

The idiom "having a nest egg" refers to money that is saved and set aside for future use, often for retirement or emergencies . Having a nest egg implies a degree of financial security, allowing individuals to plan for long-term goals without relying on current income. It reflects prudent financial planning, contributing to peace of mind by ensuring a cushion against unexpected expenses or financial downturns. It can enable individuals to retire with financial stability and pursue personal interests or support lifestyles without financial strain.

The idiom "basket case" implies a state of extreme nervousness, anxiety, or emotional instability . Social factors that might exacerbate this state include lack of social support, persistent stressors, or traumatic events that overwhelm the individual's ability to cope. Additionally, societal pressures, isolation, and stigmatization can further contribute to feelings of helplessness and exacerbate one's psychological distress, making it difficult to manage emotions effectively.

The idiom "don't throw the baby out with the bathwater" means not to discard something valuable or important while trying to get rid of unwanted elements . In decision-making processes, this idiom can be applied when refining or changing a plan: for instance, a team might decide to fix minor issues in a project rather than abandoning the entire project, thereby keeping the beneficial aspects while addressing the problematic ones.

The idiom "kangaroo court" refers to a biased or informal judicial proceeding where the outcome is predetermined, and fair trial principles are disregarded . An individual at odds with authority in such a situation may face potential consequences including unjust treatment, lack of due process, and being subject to arbitrary or unfair rulings. This could impact their reputation, rights, and ability to defend themselves properly, ultimately reinforcing their opposition to and mistrust in authoritative structures.

The idiom "a fire in his belly" refers to a strong determination, passion, or drive to succeed and achieve one's goals . Insights into personal motivation drawn from this idiom highlight that individuals with this trait demonstrate a high level of enthusiasm, perseverance, and dedication. They are often willing to go above and beyond in their efforts, inspired by an internal burning desire to accomplish something significant or fulfill their ambitions.

The idiom "red herring" refers to a misleading clue or distraction that draws attention away from the main issue or important facts in a situation . In the context of a mystery story, a red herring is often a false lead or suspect introduced to mislead readers or characters, and to increase suspense by diverting their attention from the actual perpetrator or solution to the mystery.

The idiom "to bite one's tongue" means to refrain from speaking one's thoughts or opinions, especially in situations where it might be inappropriate or hurtful to do so . This idiom conveys that in delicate situations, choosing not to voice certain opinions or criticisms can prevent conflict, maintain harmony, and avoid unnecessary tension. It highlights the importance of discretion and self-control in communication, particularly when emotions are involved.

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