Figurative Language: Simile, Metaphor, Idiom Worksheet

Question 1

Identify the figurative language in this sentence: The hallway was as crowded as a subway train at rush hour. Is it a simile, metaphor, or idiom? Explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

This sentence uses a simile because it compares the hallway to a subway train using the word as. It means the hallway was extremely crowded.

Question 2

Identify the figurative language in this sentence: After three hours of studying, my brain was a tangled ball of yarn. Is it a simile, metaphor, or idiom? Explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

This sentence uses a metaphor because it compares the brain to a tangled ball of yarn without using like or as. It means the person felt confused or mentally overwhelmed.

Question 3

Identify the idiom in this sentence and explain what it means: I was nervous before the performance, but my sister told me to break a leg.

Accepted Answer

The idiom is break a leg. It means good luck, especially before a performance.

Question 4

Write one simile to describe a thunderstorm. Your simile must use like or as.

Accepted Answer

A correct answer will compare a thunderstorm to something else using like or as, such as The thunderstorm roared like a hungry lion.

Question 5

Write one metaphor to describe a student who is very focused while reading.

Accepted Answer

A correct answer will compare the focused student to something else without using like or as, such as During reading time, Maya was a statue in her chair.

Question 6

Choose the best meaning of the idiom in this sentence: When the teacher announced a pop quiz, Carlos had to think on his feet. A. stand up while thinking B. answer quickly without much preparation C. walk around the classroom D. forget what he studied

Accepted Answer

The best meaning is B. To think on his feet means to answer or react quickly without much preparation.

Question 7

Read the sentence: Her smile was sunshine after a week of rain. Identify the type of figurative language and explain the effect it creates.

Accepted Answer

This sentence uses a metaphor because it says her smile was sunshine. It creates a warm, hopeful, and cheerful feeling.

Question 8

Read the sentence: The puppy followed me around like a tiny shadow. Identify the type of figurative language and explain what it suggests about the puppy.

Accepted Answer

This sentence uses a simile because it compares the puppy to a tiny shadow using like. It suggests that the puppy stayed very close to the speaker.

Question 9

Rewrite this plain sentence as a simile: The cafeteria was noisy.

Accepted Answer

A correct answer will compare the noisy cafeteria to something else using like or as, such as The cafeteria was as noisy as a stadium after a winning goal.

Question 10

Rewrite this plain sentence as a metaphor: The test was difficult.

Accepted Answer

A correct answer will compare the difficult test to something else without using like or as, such as The test was a mountain I had to climb.

Question 11

Explain the meaning of the idiom in this sentence: I wanted to buy new headphones, but they cost an arm and a leg.

Accepted Answer

The idiom cost an arm and a leg means the headphones were very expensive.

Question 12

Read the sentence: The argument was a wildfire, spreading from one table to the next. Identify the figurative language and explain what it means.

Accepted Answer

This sentence uses a metaphor because it compares the argument to a wildfire. It means the argument spread quickly and became harder to control.

Question 13

Read the sentence: I accidentally spilled the beans about the surprise party. Identify the idiom and explain what happened.

Accepted Answer

The idiom is spilled the beans. It means the speaker accidentally revealed a secret about the surprise party.

Question 14

For each phrase, label it as simile, metaphor, or idiom: 1. as quick as lightning 2. time is a thief 3. hit the books

Accepted Answer

The phrase as quick as lightning is a simile because it uses as to compare speed to lightning. The phrase time is a thief is a metaphor because it says time is something else. The phrase hit the books is an idiom because it means to study.

Question 15

Write a short sentence about a sports game, concert, or school event that includes one idiom. Then explain what the idiom means.

Accepted Answer

A correct answer will include an idiom and explain its meaning, such as At the basketball game, our team was on fire. The idiom on fire means the team was playing extremely well.

Figurative Language: Simile, Metaphor, Idiom

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