Language Arts: Idioms, Adages, and Proverbs
Understanding figurative language and traditional sayings
Language Arts: Idioms, Adages, and Proverbs
Understanding figurative language and traditional sayings
Language Arts - Grade 6-8
- 1
Read the sentence: After studying for weeks, Maya said the final exam was a piece of cake. What does the idiom a piece of cake mean in this sentence?
Think about whether Maya found the test difficult or simple.
The idiom a piece of cake means that the final exam was very easy for Maya. - 2
Classify the saying as an idiom, adage, or proverb: Do not count your chickens before they hatch. Explain your choice.
A proverb usually teaches a lesson or gives practical advice.
This saying is a proverb because it gives advice about not assuming something will happen before it actually does. - 3
Read the sentence: Jordan was nervous before the play, but his older sister told him to break a leg. What does break a leg mean in this context?
In this context, break a leg means good luck. It is an idiom often used before a performance. - 4
Explain the meaning of the adage: Actions speak louder than words. Give one example of a situation where this adage would apply.
Think about a time when someone's behavior proved what they really meant.
The adage means that what people do is more important than what they say. For example, a friend shows kindness by helping someone study, not just by saying they care. - 5
Read the sentence: When the group project started to fail, Lena decided to take the bull by the horns and organize a new plan. What does the idiom take the bull by the horns mean?
The idiom take the bull by the horns means to face a difficult situation directly and take action. - 6
Choose the best meaning of the proverb: The early bird catches the worm. A. People who arrive late get the best rewards. B. People who prepare or act early have an advantage. C. Birds are better hunters than other animals. D. Worms only come out in the morning. Explain your answer.
Focus on the lesson the proverb teaches, not the literal bird and worm.
The correct answer is B. The proverb means that people who prepare or act early often have an advantage. - 7
Write a short sentence that correctly uses the idiom under the weather.
A correct sentence should show that under the weather means feeling sick or unwell. For example, I stayed home from practice because I was feeling under the weather. - 8
Read the sentence: I was going to tell Sam about the surprise party, but I did not want to let the cat out of the bag. What does let the cat out of the bag mean?
Use the clue surprise party to understand what must stay hidden.
The idiom let the cat out of the bag means to reveal a secret, usually by accident. - 9
Explain the meaning of the proverb: Better late than never. Then describe a real-life situation where someone might use it.
The proverb means that it is better to do something late than not do it at all. Someone might use it when a person turns in a missing assignment after the due date. - 10
Read the sentence: The debate was intense, so Mr. Lee reminded the students, You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. What advice is Mr. Lee giving?
Honey suggests sweetness, and vinegar suggests bitterness.
Mr. Lee is advising the students that being kind and polite is more effective than being rude or harsh. - 11
Classify each saying as an idiom, adage, or proverb: A. It is raining cats and dogs. B. Honesty is the best policy. C. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Idioms usually cannot be understood word for word. Proverbs and adages often share wisdom or advice.
A is an idiom because it has a figurative meaning that is not literal. B is an adage because it is a well-known wise saying. C is a proverb because it gives advice about adapting to local customs. - 12
Create a short dialogue of 3 to 4 lines between two students that uses one idiom and one proverb or adage correctly. Underline or label each saying.
A strong answer should include a brief conversation that uses one idiom and one proverb or adage correctly. For example: Ana: I am nervous about the tryout. Ben: Do not worry, just give it your best shot. Ana: You are right. Practice makes perfect. In this example, give it your best shot is an idiom, and Practice makes perfect is an adage.