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What is an Idiom?—Let's Practise

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Basics on the topic What is an Idiom?—Let's Practise

Today we are practising identifying idioms with Goopaw! This video contains some examples for you to work on, so you can get extra practise and grow confident in this topic.

Transcript What is an Idiom?—Let's Practise

Goopaw says get ready to practise identifying idioms Work out what each idiom means. Here's the first sentence: After a long day, Alexis decided to call it a night. It means Alexis decided to go to bed because she was tired from a busy day. Let's look at another sentence. At the first day of football camp, Jaz felt like a fish out of water. It means Jaz felt uncomfortable since it was their first day at camp. Here is the next sentence. Nick decided to break the ice by sharing his favourite ice cream flavour. It means Nick tried to do or say something that would help make people feel more comfortable. Let's look at another sentence. Since the new game system costs an arm and a leg, Alix knew she should start saving now. It means, since the game system is very expensive, Alix decided to start saving now. Here is the last sentence. Ezra was on cloud nine when he got first place in the race. It means Ezra was extremely happy about winning the race. Goopaw had so much fun practising with you today! See you next time!

What is an Idiom?—Let's Practise exercise

Would you like to apply the knowledge you’ve learnt? You can review and practice it with the tasks for the video What is an Idiom?—Let's Practise.
  • Decide whether or not these are idioms.

    Hints

    An idiom is not literal, it does not describe the actual behaviour or person.

    Think, does the sentence mean exactly what is says, or is it an expression?

    An idiom is an expression that could be explained in another way. For example, It's raining cats and dogs is an idiom, it means that it is raining heavily.

    Solution
    • His eyes were bigger than his belly. Yes, this is an idiom. It means that he thought he could eat more than he actually could.
    • They were extremely funny. No, this is the literal meaning.
    • It was a piece of cake. Yes, this is an idiom. It means that it was very easy.
    • The football match was exciting. No, this is the literal meaning.
  • What does the idiom mean?

    Hints

    If you hit the nail on the head, you are very exact in doing something.

    If a person tricks someone, they might say they were pulling their leg.

    Solution

    This table shows the correctly matched idioms with their meanings.

  • Make the correct idiom.

    Hints

    Try each word in the brackets and say the sentence aloud. Do any of the phrases sound familiar?

    Use the words given as options to check the correct spellings.

    Solution

    She was so happy, she was on cloud nine.

    They decided to take a risk and throw caution to the wind.

    Other chances will come along, there are plenty more fish in the sea.

  • Are these idioms?

    Hints

    Is the phrase a literal meaning? Or is it an expression used to describe something else?

    If the phrase is literal and means exactly what it says, it is not an idiom.

    Solution
    1. It's the calm before the storm. Yes
    2. As fit as a fiddle. Yes
    3. Every cloud has a silver lining. Yes
    4. In the winter, it gets cold. No
    5. The sea is full of many sea life. No
  • Complete the sentences with the correct idiom.

    Hints

    Which of the idioms sound like they are allowing you to have the control? This means it is up to you.

    Which of the idioms sounds like letting a secret out? Do any of the examples let something out?

    Solution

    If you let the secret out, you let the cat out of the bag.

    If he makes one more mistake he will be in trouble, he is on thin ice.

    It is completely up to you, the ball is in your court.

  • Complete the idioms.

    Hints

    What is the front of a book called? This is what we shouldn't judge it by.

    Look at the image of the boy running. What can you see that he is running as fast as?

    When you are tired, would you call it a morning or night?

    Solution

    Don't judge a book by its cover. This means that we shouldn't judge something based on appearances, and it is what's on the inside that counts.

    Be quick and run like the wind. This means to run very quickly.

    I'm tired. I'm going to call it a night. This means to leave or go to bed.