Idioms
What is an idiom?
A phrase that has a different (figurative) meaning than what is being said (literally).
Short sayings/words of wisdom that offer advice on how to live your life or give some kind of truth about human nature.
Define similes
Similes compare two unlike things using "like" or "as."
What are synonyms? What are antonyms?
Synonyms are words that have similar meanings. Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings.
"To ward off the biting wind, they were bundled in winter essentials: heavy coats, snow pants, gloves, and wool hats."
What does it mean that the wind was biting?
The wind was VERY cold.
George was on the fence about which flavor he wanted for his birthday cake.
What is the figurative meaning of the phrase, "on the fence?"
The figurative meaning of the phrase "on the fence" is being undecided about something.
When my classmates and I were cleaning up the classroom, my teacher said "many hands make light work."
What is the meaning of this adage?
People working together make a job easier.
Define metaphors
Metaphors compare two unlike things by stating something IS something else.
Metaphors compare two unlike things using the following connecting verbs: is, was, were, are.
Phoenix Phoebe was disappointed that 4th grade had to have indoor recess.
What is the antonym for disappointed?
A) hopeful
B) pleased
C) unhappy
D) angry
B) pleased
The trees danced in the wind.
What does it mean that the trees danced?
The trees were gently swaying back and forth from the wind.
If your teacher tells you to "hold your horses," what does your teacher really mean?
To slow down!
I was in a bad mood because I got a stain on my shirt. My mom said, "don't cry over spilt milk."
What is the meaning of this proverb?
Don't get too upset over minor things or dwell on something in the past!
Dominic was a whirlwind as he cleaned up the classroom.
What is the meaning of this metaphor?
Dominic cleaned quickly.
1. What are two synonyms for "said?"
2. What are two antonyms for "angry?"
Synonyms for "said": exclaimed, shouted, yelled, replied, sighed, whispered, etc.
Antonyms for "angry": pleased, happy, content, glad, etc.
It is important to eat your fruits and vegetables.
Which of the following words is a synonym and which one is an antonym for the word "important?"
- Unnecessary
- Essential
Synonym: Essential
Antonym: Unnecessary
At our church picnic, my brother filled his whole plate with food, but his eyes were bigger than his stomach.
What is the meaning of this idiom?
He got more food than he could eat.
I wanted to win the competition, but my brother reminded me that, "slow and steady wins the race."
What is the meaning of this proverb?
Patience and hard work bring success.
During a spelling bee the audience must be as quiet as mice.
What is the meaning of this simile?
To be very quiet.
"The snowman was gigantic compared to my little sister."
Which word could BEST replace gigantic as it is used in the sentence?
A) tiny
B) enormous
C) major
D) big
B) enormous
Use the idiom "go the extra mile" in a sentence and explain its meaning.
I appreciate when my teachers go the extra mile for us.
This idiom means doing more than one is required to do.
Use the idiom "the sky is the limit" in a sentence and explain its meaning.
Possible answer:
I wasn't sure what to do for my science fair project, but my grandma said "Keep thinking! The sky is the limit."
This idiom means that almost anything is possible if you work hard enough.
What proverb/adage could you say to someone who judges people before they get to know them?
Possible answer:
Don't judge a book by its cover!
Describe winter using a simile or metaphor and explain its meaning.
Possible answer:
The fresh snow was sparkling like a diamond.
This means the sunlight was reflecting off the snow, making it look shiny/sparkly.
"When a cluster of older kids started to climb the hill, Ethan and Marco left to build a snowman."
Which word could BEST replace cluster as it is used in the sentence?
A) bundle
B) clump
C) collection
D) group
D) group
Explain why the sentence "Sally is like her mother" is NOT a simile.
How can you change the sentence to make it a simile?
"Sally is like her mother" compares two people, but it is not a simile. Similes are imaginative, unusual comparisons that call attention to an important quality of something/someone else.
"Sally's smile is like a ray of sunshine" is an example of a simile.