Idioms
After studying all week for the math test, Carlos felt confident when he walked into class. When he finished the test, he told his friend, “I think I did really well—I had it in the bag.”
Question: What does “in the bag” mean?
certain or guaranteed to succeed
Even when the assignment was long and challenging, he stayed diligent, carefully checking his work until it was finished.
careful, serious hard working
Before class began, Alex took out his notebook, sharpened his pencil, and reviewed his notes from the night before. When the teacher announced there would be a short quiz at the start of class, Alex sat up straight and began working right away without looking worried.
Question: What can you infer about Alex?
he was prepared for the quiz
During the assembly, the principal spoke in a calm and polite manner, even when students were talking.
Question: Give a synonym for polite.
respectful / courteous
This morning, the teacher reminded students that their homework was due today. She also mentioned there would be a short quiz on Friday and that students should bring their textbooks tomorrow.
Question: What is one thing students were told to do?
Answer:
What is turn in homework today
OR bring textbooks tomorrow
OR prepare for a quiz on Friday
Mia was nervous about giving her presentation in front of the class, but she knew avoiding it would only make things worse. She took a deep breath, stood up, and decided to bite the bullet.
Question: What does “bite the bullet” mean?
to face something difficult or unpleasant
With no brakes on the bike and a steep hill ahead, the crash seemed inevitable.
unavoidable
During the last period of the day, Jake kept glancing at the clock and tapping his pencil on his desk. He had trouble focusing on the lesson and kept shifting in his seat. As soon as the dismissal bell rang, he quickly packed his bag and rushed out of the classroom with a big smile.
Question: What can you infer about how Jake was feeling?
He was excited or eager to leave?
The hallway was extremely crowded between classes, with students bumping into one another as they rushed to get to their next period.
Question: Give an antonym for crowded.
empty / spacious
After school, the drama club will meet in the auditorium to rehearse for the upcoming play. Students should arrive by 3:15, bring their scripts, and be prepared to stay until 4:30.
Question: Where will the drama club meet and what should students bring?
the auditorium and their scripts
After missing the bus, spilling his coffee, and forgetting his homework, Tyler found out there would be a surprise quiz. He slammed his locker and said, “That quiz was the last straw.”
Question: What does “the last straw” mean?
the final problem that causes someone to lose patience
After explaining the directions for the tenth time, the teacher became exasperated and let out a loud deep sigh.
frustrated
When the teacher announced that students would be presenting their projects in front of the class, Lily’s posture changed. She looked down at her desk, avoided making eye contact, and quietly flipped through her notes while other students raised their hands to volunteer.
Question: What can you infer about Lily?
she is nervous or uncomfortable presenting
Even though the directions were explained several times, the assignment still felt confusing to many students.
Question: Give a synonym for confusing.
unclear / puzzling
Clue (read aloud):
During the class meeting, the counselor explained that students who want to attend the college fair must sign up by Thursday. The fair will take place next Monday during the morning, and students will be excused from their first two classes to attend.
Question: By when must students sign up, and what classes will they miss?
Answer: by Thursday and their first two classes
During lunch, everyone noticed that something strange had happened in the hallway earlier that day. When Jenna sat down, her friends leaned in and said, “Okay, you can’t just sit there—spill the tea.” Jenna laughed and began explaining what she saw and heard when the teachers weren’t around.
Question: What does “spill the tea” mean?
to share gossip or tell the details of what happened
There was a significant improvement in his grades after he began studying every night.
Big
Marcus spent several evenings studying for his history test. He reviewed his notes, completed practice questions, and asked his teacher for clarification on topics he found confusing. After finishing the test, he turned it in confidently and walked out of the classroom smiling.
Question: What can you infer about Marcus’s test performance?
he thinks he did well on the test
After receiving helpful feedback, the student felt more confident about presenting in front of the class.
Question: Give an antonym for confident.
nervous / unsure
The teacher explained that the group project is due in two weeks. Students must work in groups of three, include at least two sources, and submit both a written report and a short presentation. Late projects will lose points each day they are late.
Question: Name two requirements of the group project.
Answer:
Groups of three
Two sources
Written report
Presentation
Points deducted for late work
During the debate, Sarah stayed quiet and listened carefully to both sides of the argument. When her friends asked for her opinion, she said she was still on the fence and needed more information before deciding.
Question: What does “on the fence” mean?
undecided
He had to justify his decision by explaining the reasons behind his choice.
explain
Earlier that afternoon, Pete called Ted and invited him to come over after dinner to watch a movie. Ted had been feeling bored all day, so he was excited about the plan. After eating dinner, Ted rode his bike to Pete’s house. When he arrived, the lights inside were off, and no one answered when he rang the doorbell. After waiting a moment, Ted got back on his bike and rode home.
Why did Ted decide to ride home?
Pete was not home or was unavailable
The coach praised the team for their persistent effort, noting that they continued practicing even when they felt tired and frustrated.
Question: Give a synonym for persistent and an antonym for persistent.
Answer:
Synonym: determined / consistent
Antonym: giving up / inconsistent
At the end of class, the teacher announced that tomorrow’s schedule would be different. First period would be shortened, there would be an assembly before lunch, and students would report directly to their third-period class afterward instead of going to second period.
Question: What is one way tomorrow’s schedule will be different?
Answer:
What is first period is shorter
OR there is an assembly before lunch
OR students skip second period and go to third