Idioms 1
What does it mean to "cut corners?" Sentence: I'm going to rush through my assignment and cut corners to get it done quickly, even though it is not my best work.
Do something poorly in order to save time or money
What does "actions speak louder than words" mean? Sentence: Tai says he cares about the environment but is always buying bottled water instead of using a reusable water bottle. Actions speak louder than words.
What you DO is more important than what you SAY you'll do, actions are better than words
What does "alpha" mean?
Leader of the pack, top dog
"It's giving..."
It feels like, the vibe it's giving off, a certain feeling
What is "foreshadowing" in a story? Example: In Aladdin, the characters were told not to rub the lamp, but you could imagine that someone ended up rubbing it later in the story.
When an author gives hints or clues about events that will happen later
What does it mean if something is "a dime a dozen?" Sentence: Everyone has a pop-it fidget. They are a dime a dozen!
Something common, had by many
What does "add fuel to the fire" mean? Sentence: Celia added fuel to the fire by accusing the opposing team of cheating.
To make things worse
What does "aura points" mean?
To do something good
What is "mid?"
Something that is just alright or okay
What is "symbolism" in a story? Example: In Harry Potter, Harry's scar is a symbol that represents his parent's love and sacrifice.
When an author uses something (a person, place, or thing) to represent a bigger concept or idea.
What does "cut somebody some slack" mean? Sentence: Since it was the last day of class before summer break, the teachers cut us some slack.
Treat someone less harshly or critical, be kinder to them
What does "at the drop of a hat" mean? Sentence: Zeke and Oscar love to travel. They often set off at the drop of a hat for somewhere new and adventurous.
Immediately, without delay
What does "Cap. That's cap. You cappin?" mean?
Not true, you're lying!
"Opp" (word part for opponent)
An enemy, someone you don't like or are up against in a sport or game
What is a "flashback"?
A scene that takes the story back in time to past events in a character's life.
What does "no pain, no gain" mean? Sentence: The coach said to his players, "We will keep practicing hard so we can win all the games this season. No pain, no gain."
You have to work for what you want, have to have a little hard work to get something positive out of it
What does "get your feet wet" mean? Sentence: Before joining the cross-country team, Melanie got her feet wet by running in a few local 5k races.
To take a small step towards learning/doing something new
I'm "cooking" or "Let's cook"
Doing well
"Skibidi toilet"
Something that is trash, no good
What is the "mood" of a story? Example: humorous, scary, dreamy, hopeful, suspenseful
The feeling of a story. Created by words to describe the setting or characters.
What does "speak of the devil" mean? Sentence: Did you hear what happened to Anna yesterday? Oh, speak of the devil. Here she is."
The person you were just talking about showed up or walked in!
What does "give someone the benefit of the doubt" mean? Sentence: Mrs. Arms wasn't sure Anna was telling the truth about her dog eating her homework, but she decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.
To trust what someone says, even if you're not sure what they're saying is true
"Facts!" or "Straight facts!"
Someone believes something as very true or strongly relates to the statement
"Hits different"
Something exceptional or one-of-a-kind, gives a strong feeling about something that you can't easily describe
What is a "cliffhanger" in a story? Example: Each chapter was a cliffhanger that left me guessing right up until the final page of the story.
A story ending that ends in suspense