Idioms
What does “break the ice” mean?
To help people feel comfortable and start interacting.
Someone spills their drink, and you say, “Great job!” Are you being sincere or sarcastic?
Sarcastic
What is irony?
When what happens or what is meant contrasts with what is expected or stated.
Your parent says, “It's getting late,” while you are playing video games. What might they be implying?
They may want you to stop playing and get ready for bed.
What are two meanings of the word “bark”?
The sound a dog makes and the outer covering of a tree.
What does “I'm feeling under the weather” mean?
I'm feeling sick or unwell.
Your friend arrives an hour late. You say, “Nice of you to show up on time!” What do you really mean?
Your friend is late, and you're expressing annoyance.
A police station is robbed. Why might this be considered ironic?
A place associated with preventing crime becomes the location of a crime.
Your friend looks at your unfinished group project and says, “We present this tomorrow, remember?” What are they implying?
They're reminding you to finish the project and may be expressing concern or frustration.
What does “That joke was cheesy” mean?
The joke was corny, silly, or unoriginal. It doesn't necessarily mean it contained cheese.
What does “bite off more than you can chew” mean?
To take on more responsibility than you can handle.
Someone fails a difficult test and says, “Well, I'm obviously a genius.” What do they mean?
They're being sarcastic about doing poorly.
A swimming instructor is afraid of water. Why is this ironic?
The person's fear conflicts with what people would expect from someone in that job.
Someone asks, “Are you going to wear that to the interview?” What might they really be communicating?
They may think the outfit is inappropriate for the interview.
Explain the double meaning in “The math teacher has too many problems.”
The teacher has many math questions to deal with and may also have difficulties or challenges in life.
What does “the ball is in your court” mean?
It's your turn to take action or make a decision
Your sibling leaves dirty dishes everywhere. You say, “Thanks for keeping this place so clean!” What makes this sarcastic?
Their behavior contradicts the literal meaning of the statement.
It rains during an outdoor event advertised as “the perfect sunny-day picnic.” What is ironic about the situation?
The weather is the opposite of what was expected or advertised.
You are talking for a long time, and your friend says, “I have an early morning tomorrow.” What might they be implying?
They may want to end the conversation or leave.
What are two meanings of “I'm down”?
I'm feeling sad, or I'm willing/interested in participating.
Your friend says, “Don't burn your bridges when you leave that job.” What does this mean?
Don't damage relationships or opportunities you might need in the future.
Your friend says, “Oh, perfect!” after learning that their phone battery died before an important call. What clues suggest sarcasm?
The negative situation exaggerated positive wording, and possibly the speaker's tone or facial expression.
A technology company holds a presentation about how reliable its internet service is, but the connection fails during the presentation. Explain the irony.
The company's demonstration of reliability is undermined by the very failure it claims to prevent.
A teammate says, “It would be nice if everyone contributed equally to this project.” What might they be indirectly communicating?
They believe some group members aren't doing their fair share.
Explain the double meaning in “The fisherman was hooked on his new hobby.”
He was very interested in the hobby; “hooked” also refers literally to a fishing hook.