Try sofatutor for 30 Days

Discover why over 1.6 MILLION pupils choose sofatutor!

Idioms

Do you want to learn faster and more easily?

Then why not use our learning videos, and practice for school with learning games.

Try for 30 Days
Rating

Ø 5.0 / 1 ratings
The authors
Avatar
Team Digital

Basics on the topic Idioms

Idioms – Definition

What does idiom mean? Look at the definition of the term idiom in the box down below.

An idiom is a common phrase that has an alternative, or figurative meaning which is different from the literal meaning of the words being used. Sometimes you may here someone define idiom as a type of figurative language, and that’s because in literature it is a type of figurative language.

Why do we use idioms in a sentence? Idioms are used for dramatic effects or to exaggerate something to make a point, which can also make texts more interesting. Now that we know what the meaning of idioms is, let’s see some examples of idioms!

Idioms – Examples

What is a good example of an idiom? Below is an example of an idiom.

SEO_25724_Line_10_Idioms.svg

As the reader, your job is to determine what the idiom used in a sentence actually, or literally means, so you understand what the author is trying to say. In this example of idiom, the sentence is using an idiom to explain that the boy can run very fast. Let’s look at some more examples for idioms. The chart below shows examples of idioms on the right and their actual meanings on the right side.

Idiom Literal meaning
to be as cute as a button someone / something is adorable
piece of cake something is very easy
it costs an arm and a leg something is very expensive

Idiom – Summary

What is an idiom? The definition of idioms is the following:

An idiom is a common phrase that has an alternative, or figurative meaning, different from the literal words being used. When encountering idioms, you need to determine what the idiom actually, or literally means, so you understand what the author is trying to say.

Want some more practise with idiom examples and idiom worksheets? On this website you will find more interactive exercises, worksheets, and other activities! With these, you’ll learn to use idioms lightning fast!

Transcript Idioms

What is an idiom? "Officer Bertha! I don't want to make a mountain out of a molehill, but I can't find Pip! He wanted to play hide and seek, and he promised finding him would be a piece of cake. All of a sudden he disappeared out of the blue! I'm going to be in hot water if I don't find him soon! Can you help me!?” Koko is using idioms, a type of figurative language that Bertha is struggling to understand! An idiom is a common phrase that has an alternative, or figurative meaning, different from the literal words being used. Idioms are used for dramatic effect or to exaggerate something to make a point, which can make text more interesting. As the reader, your job is to determine what the expression actually means, so you understand what the author is trying to say. For example, Koko said: 'I don't want to make a mountain out of a molehill, but I can't find Pip!' The first step is to ask yourself, do the words mean exactly what they say? No, Koko did not make a mountain out of a molehill, that wouldn't make any sense! The second step is to determine the actual meaning of the phrase. What is the actual meaning of, 'I don't want to make a mountain out of a molehill’? It means Koko doesn't want to turn a small problem into a big deal, but she is worried about Pip! Next Koko said: 'He wanted to play hide and seek, and he promised finding him would be a piece of cake.' First, ask yourself, do the words mean exactly what they say? No, finding Pip has nothing to do with a piece of cake! What is the actual meaning of Koko's statement? It means finding Pip was supposed to be very easy. Then Koko said: 'All of a sudden he disappeared out of the blue!' First, ask yourself, do the words mean exactly what they say? No, Pip disappearing has nothing to do with the colour blue. What is the actual meaning of Koko's statement? It means Pip disappeared without warning. Finally, Koko said: 'I'm going to be in hot water if I don't find him soon!' First, ask yourself, do the words mean exactly what they say? No, Koko won't literally be in hot water. What is the actual meaning of Koko's statement? It means Koko is going to be in trouble if she doesn't find him soon. Let's take a look at the text again with all the actual, figurative meanings: "Officer Bertha! I don’t want to turn a small problem into a big deal, but I'm worried about Pip! He wanted to play hide and seek, and he promised finding him would be very easy. All of a sudden he disappeared without warning! I’m going to be in trouble if I don’t find him soon!" While Detective Bertha helps Koko, let's summarise. Remember, an idiom is a common phrase that has an alternative or figurative meaning different from the literal words being used. First, ask, does the phrase mean what it literally says? Next, explain in your own words the figurative meaning of the phrase. "Oh, Pip! There you are!" "Great job finding me! Here's your piece of cake!”

Idioms exercise

Would you like to apply the knowledge you’ve learnt? You can review and practice it with the tasks for the video Idioms.
  • What is an idiom?

    Hints

    'Jumping' is a verb because it is an action word.

    Germany is a noun because it is a place.

    This is an example of an idiom.
    'He ran as fast as the wind' means he ran 'very fast'.

    Solution

    The correct answer is: a figurative phrase, different to the literal words being used.

  • When is an idiom used?

    Hints

    There are three correct choices.

    This idiom is used for dramatic effect.

    This idiom is used to exaggerate something to make a point.

    Solution

    All of the above reasons are when an idiom is used.

  • What is the meaning of the figurative language?

    Hints

    This idiom means that he ran very fast.

    This idiom means that they don't want to turn a small problem into a big deal.

    This idiom is used for dramatic effect. What does this idiom mean?

    Solution
    • I don't want to make a mountain out of a molehill, but I broke the glass. --> turn a small problem into a big deal
    • Finding the best doughnut shop was a piece of cake! --> very easy
    • The dancer appeared out of the blue and surprised everyone with their amazing moves. --> without warning
    • I'm going to be in hot water if I don't clean my room. --> be in trouble
  • What does the idiom mean?

    Hints

    This is an example of an idiom.

    This is also an example of an idiom.

    Solution
    • change of heart—> change of mind
    • busy as a bee—> working hard
    • I'm all ears —> ready to listen
    • crossed her fingers—> wished for good luck
  • Identify if the expression is literal or an idiom.

    Hints

    These are reasons when an idiom is used.

    There are three idiom and three literal answer choices.

    This is an example of an idiom.

    'Be in trouble' is literal.

    Solution

    The idioms are highlighted in blue and the literal expressions are highlighted in yellow.

    • piece of cake --> very easy
    • out of the blue --> without warning
    • be in hot water --> be in trouble

  • Is literal or figurative language used?

    Hints

    This sentence is an example of literal language:
    The two friends visited Bee's Knees Adventure Park.

    There are three figurative language idioms.

    Solution

    Figurative language is used here:

    • see eye to eye
    • slipped my mind
    • raining cats and dogs
    Literal language is used here:
    • agree with each other
    • forgotten