Idiom Activity

What is an idiom? (Write definition in notebook)

An idiom is a common expression understood figuratively.
The literal definition of an idiom does not make sense.
Show Idiom Video:
Youtube link on Idioms:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmMs2bbvq9I
Oral Examples: (Read/ask for interpretations)
1. I know that the fight that they had yesterday seemed serious, but
thats just the tip of the iceberg.
a. What does tip of the iceberg mean?
2. Sam and Paul had been dating forever, so we knew that it wouldnt be
long until they tied the knot.
a. What does tied the knot mean?
3. Vince was sick of school, but on Thursday he could finally see the
light at the end of the tunnel.
a. What does see the light at the end of the tunnel mean?
Idiom Activity:
Give each student one of the idioms
Students will interpret and glue their idiom on side of notebook with
definition and illustrate it on the other.
1. When the politician was caught stealing from the
taxpayers, everyone thought he would receive a severe
punishment, but all he got was a slap on the wrist.
What is the meaning of this idiom?
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2. We thought that our neighbors, the Jones family,

were rich beyond our wildest dreams, but it turns out
that were all in the same boat.

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What is the meaning of this idiom?

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6. Tom wanted to get down to brass tacks, but the

lawyer kept chatting about the weather.
What is the meaning of this idiom?
3. If Kim thinks that Im going to let her copy my math
homework, shes barking up the wrong tree.
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What is the meaning of this idiom?

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7. The lawyer knew that beating around the bush
would get Tom all worked up.
4. The Vikings thought that they would easily beat the
other team, but when it was tied with a minute left in What is the meaning of this idiom?
the fourth quarter, they knew that this game was really
coming down to the wire.
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What is the meaning of this idiom?

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8. After playing for three straight quarters, the

quarterback was running out of steam.
What is the meaning of this idiom?
5. I thought Janet would be a good worker, but it turns
out that she cant cut the mustard.
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What is the meaning of this idiom?
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12. Alan was excited when he found out that he would

9. Dont get so worked up, buddy. Shes only pulling have his own front row parking spot at the university,
your leg.
but that was just the icing on the cake.
What is the meaning of this idiom?
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What is the meaning of this idiom?

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10. Jane decided that she would go out on a limb and 13. Ever since Amys uncle bought the farm, shes
ask Byron to the Spring Fling dance.
been faced with the difficult decision of dividing the
inheritance amongst the family.
What is the meaning of this idiom?
What is the meaning of this idiom?
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11. Jimbo was too tired to finish the assignment, so he 14. Working at the Burger King was at first
decided to hit the hay.
overwhelming to Kyle, but now he knows the ropes.
What is the meaning of this idiom?

What is the meaning of this idiom?

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15. Julie thought her mom would let her go to the

party, but no dice.

18. I didnt want to jump the gun, so I decided to wait

until the second date to try and hold her hand.
What is the meaning of this idiom?

What is the meaning of this idiom?

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16. We tried to give Tommy a surprise party for his

birthday, but you let the cat out of the bag.
What is the meaning of this idiom?

19. Derek hated how much his mom nagged him about
homework. He didnt really see why it mattered and he
thought that his mom was making a mountain out of a
molehill.

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What is the meaning of this idiom?

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17. Kevin accepted the job even though he was still in 20. Alice was feeling a little under the weather, so
school, but his mom thought he might be biting off
she asked her mom if she could stay home today.
more than he could chew.
What is the meaning of this idiom?
What is the meaning of this idiom?
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21. Tammy wanted to yell at John for leaving the toilet 24. Craig and I fought over a girl in the fourth grade,
seat up again, but after their last fight she decided to let but thats water under the bridge now.
sleeping dogs lie.
What is the meaning of this idiom?
What is the meaning of this idiom?
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25. Jeffrey was a fast learner, so he knew that the

history test would be a piece of cake.
22. Jude was on pins and needles waiting for the
results of the test.

What is the meaning of this idiom?

What is the meaning of this idiom?

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23. I like Chris. Hes a cool guy.

26. I told Tom to stop telling Kim all of his feelings,

but he always did wear his heart on his sleeve.

What is the meaning of this idiom?

What is the meaning of this idiom?

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29. I dont mean to toot my own horn, but Im the

27. Every player is important on a football team, but a fastest kid on my block and the smartest too.
good quarter back is worth his weight in gold.
What is the meaning of this idiom?
What is the meaning of this idiom?
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28. Kylies mother wanted her to play the piano but, as

much as Kylie wanted to make her mother happy,
playing the piano was just not her cup of tea.
What is the meaning of this idiom?

30. Look, you know that shes never liked you, so take
her criticism with a grain of salt.

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What is the meaning of this idiom?

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