idioms pdf

© David Newmonic Language Resources

An Oral Language Program that Teaches IdiomsIdiomsIdiomsIdioms and Explains How they Work

David NewmanDavid NewmanDavid NewmanDavid Newman Speech-Language Pathologist

Idioms Language Program

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A Friendly Reminder

© David Newmonic Language Resources 2009 - 2010

This book and all its contents are intellectual property.

All illustrations by David Newman

No part of this publication may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or reproduced in any way, including but not

limited to digital copying and printing without the prior agreement and written permission of the author.


Table of Contents

Introduction......................................................................................................................................................................................................4

Notes on each Scenario..................................................................................................................................................................................5

Instructions to Students...............................................................................................................................................................................6

Glossary of Terms............................................................................................................................................................................................9

Cloud NineCloud NineCloud NineCloud Nine scenarios – Clothes...............................................................................................................................................................10

Cloud NineCloud NineCloud NineCloud Nine scenarios – Animals...............................................................................................................................................................14

Cloud NineCloud NineCloud NineCloud Nine scenarios – Colours................................................................................................................................................................18

Cloud NineCloud NineCloud NineCloud Nine scenarios – Money.................................................................................................................................................................22

Cloud NineCloud NineCloud NineCloud Nine scenarios – Medical..............................................................................................................................................................26


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Introduction

This particular idiom program was created because of

my initial frustration in attempting to teach the

difficult concept of idioms to language impaired

students.

I have found idioms to be a difficult concept to teach

successfully. Understanding requires a leap of

imagination on the student’s part. The role of the

clinician or teacher is to provide the scaffolding

necessary for the student to make that leap, and truly

‘get’ the meaning of idioms.

Through trial and error I’ve discovered that context is

a highly useful means of teaching the concept of

idioms. In each individual scenario a common idiom

is uttered by a character in a highly contextual

situation; situations that your students should be

familiar with and have some experience with.

If we look at the following example we can see that

Mary describes the narrator’s new friend as a wolf in

sheep’s clothing, and adds that ‘you need to be

careful of Marty.’ We can assume that Marty is

someone the narrator’s sister doesn’t trust much. The

inference is that perhaps Marty is an untrustworthy

character.

A Wolf in Sheep’s CA Wolf in Sheep’s CA Wolf in Sheep’s CA Wolf in Sheep’s Clothinglothinglothinglothing SettSettSettSetting:ing:ing:ing: I liked my new friend Marty, but my sister is not sure about him. She said, ‘You need to be careful of Marty. He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.’ A wolf in sheep’s clothing means...

a) A wolf that likes to dress in sheepskins

b) A person that likes to dress well, but is harmless c) A person who pretends to be good, but is actually really bad

Idioms - Animals


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Notes on Each Scenario

The correct answer for each scenario is presented as

underlined and highlighted in a multiple choice

format. Selecting the correct answer from multiple

choice provides a little extra scaffolding for students

who may struggle with the concept of idioms.

It is your discretion as a teacher or clinician as to how

much scaffolding your students need to be provided.

Each student will vary in their ability to learn and to

be comfortable with idioms.

I recommend that students with language disorder

receive the most amount of scaffolding. They need the

extra scaffolding to better create links between literal

information and the more metaphorical imagery found

in idioms.

Idioms are an example of figurative language.

Figurative language is a higher level language ability.

With figurative language students are required to go

beyond literal language and concrete images to

explore new layers of meaning.

There are 100 individual scenarios separated into five

different categories of 20 scenarios each: clothes,

animals, colours, money, and medical.

The cards can be cut out and laminated

and used together with a board game for

individual and group use, or as a whole

class activity.


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Instructions to Students

Please feel free to use the following

description as a prepreprepreparatory setparatory setparatory setparatory set to

aide your students’ understanding of

idioms. The following is an example of

instructions I use when introducing the

concept of idioms. Repeat the

instructions as many times as is

needed.

‘Figurative language enables us to explore

language in new and interesting ways. Figurative

language is a form of language that uses concrete,

literal images as a base.

The concrete image is combined with a startling

and seemingly unrelated image to create

something new.

Idioms are a very interesting form of figurative

language. They provide us with a new way of

looking at the world.

An idiom is a cultural metaphor that requires

some understanding of word and world knowledge.

That is, idioms are sayings that have been used

for generations and have become part of the

cultural vernacular.


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Idioms do require some knowledge about words

and how they go together.

An example of a popular idiom is, ‘a wolf in sheep’s

clothing.’ If we look closely at the idiom from a

literal point of view we have two quite separate

and contrasting images.

First, there is the image of the wolf. Historically

the wolf is viewed as a predator. We have learnt

from stories such as the three little pigs that a

wolf is a dangerous creature that cannot be

trusted.

Second, we have the image of the sheep. A sheep

is an animal that is viewed as docile, harmless and

gentle.

Finally, when we combine the image of the wolf

with the image of the sheep we have the strange

picture of a wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing.

Now, the two separate images of the wolf and

sheep don’t normally ‘go’ together. But the beauty

of idioms is that the two images can actually be

fused to create a whole new meaning.


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To successfully combine the two contrasting

images requires a leap of imagination on our

parts. And idioms, with their creative use of

language, are very good at triggering our

imaginations.

So in our example of the wolf, we can picture a

wolf actually dressed in sheep’s clothing. We can

imagine that the clothing is in fact a disguise.

We assume this because we know the wolf’s

nature and that beneath the sheep’s clothing it

remains a dangerous predator.

Why does the wolf dress in sheep’s clothing?

Answer: The wolf is trying to distract us from its

true nature. The wolf hopes to trick us into

thinking it is harmless; that it is just a sheep.

When we use the idiom of a wolf in sheep’s

clothing to describe a person we are essentially

saying that a particular person cannot be trusted,

even though his/her appearance and manner

appears harmless to us.

The idiom of a wolf in sheep’s clothing reminds us

that sometimes we need to look beyond surface

appearances to discover a person’s true nature.’


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Glossary of Terms

The following terms have been added for your

convenience. Some of the words and descriptions in

the introductory notes may confuse some students.

Figurative Language: figurative language contains

images that a writer or speaker uses to make unusual

comparisons between items.

Literal language: literal language is words or images

that don’t deviate from their defined meaning.

Cultural Metaphor: images or language that is

particular to a region or cultural group and that has

specific meaning to that group.

Vernacular: the everyday language that is spoken by

a particular people or country that is different from

literary language.

Predator: an organism (animal – insect) that lives by

preying on other organisms.

Fuse: to unite or blend something together, like

melting.

Disguise: to change your appearance or conceal

identity with the intent to mislead.


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Below the BBelow the BBelow the BBelow the Beltelteltelt

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I thought it was below the belt when my best friend stole my new footy and didn’t return it, even after I asked for its return.

Below the belt means…

a) To get hit by a ball on the legs

b) When a friend takes something that belongs to

you

c) To do something cowardly or unfair

Idioms: Clothes

Burn a Hole in One’s PBurn a Hole in One’s PBurn a Hole in One’s PBurn a Hole in One’s Pocketocketocketocket

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I was in the biggest toy store in the country - I could feel the money burn a hole in my

pocket. Burn a hole in one’s pocket means…

a) To have a hole in your pants pocket

b) To have money that you’re likely to spend quickly c) To have money that you want to save

Idioms: Clothes

Dressed to KDressed to KDressed to KDressed to Killillillill Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My sister was getting ready to go to

the ball. She was dressed to kill. Dressed to kill means…

a) To wear your best clothes b) To wear clothes like a ninja

c) To wear your baggiest or worst clothes in public

Idioms: Clothes

Feather in One’s CFeather in One’s CFeather in One’s CFeather in One’s Capapapap

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: To be named captain of my footy team was a real feather in my cap.

Feather in one’s cap means…

a) To wear a cap that comes with a bright feather

b) To be given something you didn’t deserve

c) To achieve something to be proud of

Idioms: Clothes

Fine Tooth CFine Tooth CFine Tooth CFine Tooth Combombombomb Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I went over my written story with a fine

tooth comb to make certain there were no spelling mistakes.

Fine tooth comb means…

a) Careful attention to detail to ensure nothing is missed b) A comb used to brush fine hair

c) To look for spelling mistakes

Idioms: Clothes

Fits Like a GFits Like a GFits Like a GFits Like a Glovelovelovelove

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I tried on my new school uniform. It fit like a glove.

Fits like a glove means…

a) An article of clothing that fits perfectly b) An article of clothing that is too tight

c) An article of clothing that is too loose

Idioms: Clothes


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Pull up Your SPull up Your SPull up Your SPull up Your Socksocksocksocks

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My teacher was very annoyed when he said to me, ‘It’s time for you to pull up your socks

and start working hard.’ Pull up your socks means…

a) Make a decent and sustained effort on a task b) To warm your cold legs

c) To continue working as before

Idioms: Clothes

In One’s SIn One’s SIn One’s SIn One’s Shoeshoeshoeshoes

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My father said, ‘To truly understand how other people feel you need to walk in their

shoes for a while.’ In one’s shoes means…

a) To walk using someone else’s shoes

b) To be in another person’s place or position c) To be aware of walking in your own shoes

Idioms: Clothes

On a SOn a SOn a SOn a Shoestringhoestringhoestringhoestring

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My parents traveled throughout

Vietnam and Thailand on a shoestring, and had a great time.

On a shoestring means…

a) Tying your wallet to your belt with string

b) Surviving well on a very small amount of money c) To have large amounts of money and spend it all

Idioms: Clothes

Put Your Thinking CPut Your Thinking CPut Your Thinking CPut Your Thinking Cap onap onap onap on Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The ship was caught in a storm at sea. The captain yelled above the roaring wind, ’We need to put our thinking caps on if we are to

survive this storm.’ Put your thinking cap on means…

a) To place a special cap on your head that aids

thinking

b) To think long and hard and decisively about something c) To make a hasty decision about something

Idioms: Clothes

The Shoe is onThe Shoe is onThe Shoe is onThe Shoe is on the Other Fthe Other Fthe Other Fthe Other Footootootoot Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My sister teased me when I had to visit the dentist. Now the shoe was on the other foot

– it was her turn to visit the dentist. The shoe is on the other foot means…

a) It’s the sister’s turn to visit the dentist

b) The sister was wearing the wrong shoes

c) Places and roles are reversed

Idioms: Clothes

Tighten Your BTighten Your BTighten Your BTighten Your Beltelteltelt

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My mother said, ‘Your father has had his hours at work cut back. That means we all

have to tighten our belts.’ Tighten your belt means…

a) To lose weight

b) To spend money without care c) To live on less money than usual

Idioms: Clothes


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Wear the Pants in One’s FWear the Pants in One’s FWear the Pants in One’s FWear the Pants in One’s Familyamilyamilyamily

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My friend’s mother wears the pants in her family. She is always telling her husband

what to do. Wear the pants in one’s family means…

a) To wear pants rather than dresses b) To be in charge and the leader of the family c) To take orders from the stronger partner

Idioms: Clothes

Too Big for Your BToo Big for Your BToo Big for Your BToo Big for Your Bootsootsootsoots Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My friend’s team won the grand final. My friend told everybody what a great player he was. My father said, ‘That lad’s become too big

for his boots.’

Too big for your boots means…

a) Your feet have grown too large for your boots

b) To be ‘swollen’ with conceit c) To have played well and been a great player for

your team Idioms: Clothes

HanHanHanHandle with Kid Gdle with Kid Gdle with Kid Gdle with Kid Glovesloveslovesloves Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My sister is very sensitive about her new braces. It’s important to handle her with kid

gloves about her braces. Handle with kid gloves means…

a) To be deliberately rude to somebody

b) To wear special gloves when talking about

sensitive issues

c) To treat somebody with special gentleness

Idioms: Clothes

Hand Me DHand Me DHand Me DHand Me Downownownown

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I really hate it when my mother gives me my brothers hand me down clothes. I want new

clothes. Hand me down means…

a) Clothes that are too big for you

b) Clothes that are too ugly to wear

c) Things that are given away after the owner doesn’t need it

Idioms: Clothes

Ants in One’s PAnts in One’s PAnts in One’s PAnts in One’s Pantsantsantsants Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The little boy ran around the room

yelling loudly. The kinder teacher told him to sit down. She said, ‘You have ants in your pants.’ Ants in ones pants means…

a) To have ants crawling in your pants

b) To enjoy running and yelling

c) To be very restless and have lots of nervous energy

Idioms: Clothes

Burn a Hole in One’s PBurn a Hole in One’s PBurn a Hole in One’s PBurn a Hole in One’s Pocketocketocketocket

SettinSettinSettinSetting:g:g:g: My money was burning a hole in my pocket. I couldn’t wait to get to the milk bar and

buy some candy. Burn a hole in one’s pocket means…

a) Money that is likely to be spent quickly b) Coins that can cause holes in jeans pockets

c) Money that is spent on buying candy

Idioms: Clothes


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Burst at the SBurst at the SBurst at the SBurst at the Seamseamseamseams Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I got on the school bus and tried to find a seat, but the bus was bursting at the seams

and I couldn’t find one.

Burst at the seams means…

a) The stitching on a pair of jeans seam becomes

undone

b) The tyres on a bus burst c) Something is far too full or is overcrowded

Idioms: Clothes

Decked ODecked ODecked ODecked Outututut Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My older brother was all decked out in his new tuxedo, and was ready for the debutante

ball. Decked out means…

a) To wear your clothes inside out b) To be dressed in your best clothes c) To be dressed in your worst clothes

Idioms: Clothes


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To Throw Someone to the WTo Throw Someone to the WTo Throw Someone to the WTo Throw Someone to the Wolvesolvesolvesolves Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The coach played a first game player, on the opposition’s champion. His assistant

said, ‘You’re throwing that player to the wolves.’

To throw someone to the wolves means...

a) To send someone into danger without protection. To sacrifice a person. b) To feed hungry wolves

c) To protect someone using wolves

Idioms - Animals

A Wolf in Sheep’s CA Wolf in Sheep’s CA Wolf in Sheep’s CA Wolf in Sheep’s Clothinglothinglothinglothing SettinSettinSettinSetting:g:g:g: I liked my new friend Marty, but my sister is not sure about him. She said, ‘You need to be careful of Marty. He’s a wolf in

sheep’s clothing.’ A wolf in sheep’s clothing means...

a) A wolf that likes to dress in sheepskins

b) A person that likes to dress well, but is harmless c) A person who pretends to be good, but is actually really bad

Idioms - Animals

As Quiet as a MAs Quiet as a MAs Quiet as a MAs Quiet as a Mouseouseouseouse Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I wanted to say hello to the new girl in class, because she seemed a bit lost and was as

quiet as a mouse. As quiet as a mouse means…

a) Very quiet and shy b) Very loud and boisterous

c) To be very quick, like a mouse

Idioms - Animals

As Sick as a DAs Sick as a DAs Sick as a DAs Sick as a Dogogogog

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I had far too much to eat at the Christmas party and felt as sick as a dog the

next day.

As sick as a dog means…

a) To be very sick b) To feel a little poorly

c) To bark like a dog

Idioms - Animals

As Stubborn as a MAs Stubborn as a MAs Stubborn as a MAs Stubborn as a Muleuleuleule Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My friend refused to go on the

camping trip because he didn’t want to sleep outdoors. I couldn’t change his mind because

he’s as stubborn as a mule. As stubborn as a mule means…

a) To kick like a mule

b) To not want to do things c) To be immovable and inflexible on an issue

Idioms - Animals

OneOneOneOne’’’’s Bark is Ws Bark is Ws Bark is Ws Bark is Worse than oneorse than oneorse than oneorse than one’’’’s Bs Bs Bs Biteiteiteite Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My new teacher scolded me for not doing the math problem. My friend whispered, ‘Don’t worry about him, he’s a good guy. His

bark is worse than his bite.’ Ones bark is worse than ones bite means…

a) Someone words are worse than their actions b) Someone who likes to bite people

c) Someone whose actions are worse than the things

they say Idioms - Animals


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The Black Sheep of the FThe Black Sheep of the FThe Black Sheep of the FThe Black Sheep of the Familyamilyamilyamily Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My older brother is the black sheep of the family. He’s always getting into trouble and

nobody can trust him. The black sheep of the family means…

a) Someone who likes to herd black sheep

b) The most disliked or troublesome member of a family c) The member of a family who stands out the most

Idioms - Animals

A Bull in a China SA Bull in a China SA Bull in a China SA Bull in a China Shophophophop Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My mum told me, ‘I’m not letting you go to your sister’s pyjama party. It would be like

letting a bull into a china shop.’ A bull in a china shop means…

a) Someone who likes to smash delicate china plates

and cups

b) Leading a bull through a china shop

c) A tactless person who upsets others or their plans

Idioms - Animals

Cat got yoCat got yoCat got yoCat got your Tur Tur Tur Tongue?ongue?ongue?ongue? Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I was very nervous and couldn’t

respond when my friend’s father said hello to me. He said, ‘What’s wrong, cat got your tongue?’’ Cat got your tongue means…

a) A cat that likes to steal tongues

b) To not be able to move ones tongue c) Cannot speak because of shyness

Idioms - Animals

Cat on a Hot Tin RCat on a Hot Tin RCat on a Hot Tin RCat on a Hot Tin Roofoofoofoof Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I couldn’t keep my little brother quiet. He was leaping from couch to couch in the lounge room like a cat on a hot tin roof.

Cat on a hot tin roof means…

a) To prowl like a cat b) To be full of energy and very lively c) To be not very energetic

Idioms - Animals

A CA CA CA Copycatopycatopycatopycat Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I looked over at my friend’s work and he had copied exactly what I had done. I thought to

myself, you copycat. A copycat means…

a) To make an exact copy of something using a

photocopier b) Someone who copies another’s work c) Someone who creates an original essay or drawing

Idioms - Animals

Curiosity Killed the CCuriosity Killed the CCuriosity Killed the CCuriosity Killed the Catatatat Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My big sister packed away her new shoes. She said to me, ‘Don’t open that shoe

box. Remember, curiosity killed the cat.’

Curiosity killed the cat means…

a) To be curious about the contents of an unopened

box

b) To own a cat that is very curious c) To be so inquisitive that you get into trouble

Idioms - Animals


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Every DEvery DEvery DEvery Doooog has his Dg has his Dg has his Dg has his Dayayayay Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I didn’t make it onto the basketball team. My coach said, ‘Don’t worry, keep

practicing and you’ll make the team. ‘Every dog has his day.’

Every dog has his day means…

a) To own a dog that likes to sleep during the day b) Every person gets their deserved turn or chance c) To be unlucky

Idioms - Animals

Fight like Cats and DFight like Cats and DFight like Cats and DFight like Cats and Dogsogsogsogs Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My brother and I always argue over the T.V. We started to fight. Our mum said with a frown, ‘You two always fight like cats and dogs.’ Fight like cats and dogs means…

a) To argue and fight with someone you know well b) To watch cats and dogs fighting

c) To hiss like a cat or growl like a dog when

fighting Idioms - Animals

Look Like Something the Cat DLook Like Something the Cat DLook Like Something the Cat DLook Like Something the Cat Dragged inragged inragged inragged in Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I came home from the footy after having played in the mud and rain. My mum said, ‘My goodness, you look like something the cat

dragged in.’ Look like something the cat dragged in means…

a) To look a little untidy

b) To look all muddy and wet c) To look tired, worn out, and very dirty

Idioms - Animals

Make a Mountain out of a MMake a Mountain out of a MMake a Mountain out of a MMake a Mountain out of a Molehillolehillolehillolehill Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I was embarrassed when I spilt a drink on my friend’s new carpet. My friend was kind

and said, ‘Don’t worry; you’re making a mountain out of a molehill.’

MakeMakeMakeMake a mountain out of a molehill means…

a) To make a little problem into a big problem

b)To make something that is unimportant seem important c) To get upset over a spilt drink

Idioms - Animals

ThThThThe Straw that Broke the Camel’s Be Straw that Broke the Camel’s Be Straw that Broke the Camel’s Be Straw that Broke the Camel’s Backackackack Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My sister kept losing things at school. Mum was angry after she lost her school bag. She said, ‘That’s the straw that broke the

camel’s back.’ The straw that broke the camel’s back means…

a) A small final setback that has built up to cause a collapse or a bigger problem b) A camel that can’t carry any more on its back

c) A small problem that will not cause too much

difficulty Idioms - Animals

Take the Bull by the HTake the Bull by the HTake the Bull by the HTake the Bull by the Hornsornsornsorns Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The coach was passionate as he instructed his team. He said,’ I know the

opposition is the top team; but take the bull by the horns and beat them at their own game.’

Take the bull by the horns means…

a) To wrestle a bull to the ground with brute

strength

b) To beat somebody at their own game c) To take decisive and direct action

Idioms - Animals


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As As As As Weak as a KWeak as a KWeak as a KWeak as a Kittenittenittenitten Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My best friend has had the flu and

been away from school for two weeks. When he came to school today he looked as weak as a

kitten. As weak as a kitten means…

a) To feel as fast and as agile as a cat b) To feel sickly and fragile c) To feel a little ill

Idioms - Animals

Bright Eyed and Bushy TBright Eyed and Bushy TBright Eyed and Bushy TBright Eyed and Bushy Tailedailedailedailed Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I got up this morning and the sky was clear and the sun was shining. I felt bright eyed

and bushy tailed. Bright eyed and bushy tailed means…

a) To climb a tree like a possum

b) To be very cheerful and excited c) To feel flat and not energetic

Idioms - Animals


18


Black and WBlack and WBlack and WBlack and Whitehitehitehite

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The manager tends to view issues in terms of being black and white. He is inflexible

and can’t be shifted on his views.

Black and white means…

a) Thinking that all things are either totally good or utterly bad b) To be flexible and open-minded about issues

c) To be colour blind

Idioms: Colours

Blue in the FBlue in the FBlue in the FBlue in the Faceaceaceace

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I argued with my sister until I was blue in the face, but couldn’t get her to change the

T.V. channel.

Blue in the face means…

a) Someone’s face turns blue from shouting

b) To be upset and emotional about an issue c) To not be able to breathe properly

Idioms: Colours

Catch Someone RedCatch Someone RedCatch Someone RedCatch Someone Red----HHHHandedandedandedanded

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The villain was in the process of stealing the money when the policeman caught

him red-handed. Catch someone red-handed means…

a) To catch someone when they’re doing something wrong b) To catch someone with red paint on their hands

c) To catch someone who steals a lot

Idioms: Colours

Give Someone the Green LGive Someone the Green LGive Someone the Green LGive Someone the Green Lightightightight Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The pool looked very inviting and our class wanted to jump in, but we had to wait for our teacher’s permission. Finally, we were given

the green light.

Give someone the green light means…

a) To go through the traffic lights

b) Permission to begin something c) To stop and wait for permission

Idioms: Colours

Grass is Always GGrass is Always GGrass is Always GGrass is Always Greenerreenerreenerreener Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I realized that the grass isn’t always

greener on the other side. My new school is not as good as my old school.

Grass is always greener on the other side

means…

a) The grass in the next paddock gets more water

b) A place or situation that is far away is better than where we are now c) Where we are now is better than the next place

Idioms: Colours

Green with EGreen with EGreen with EGreen with Envynvynvynvy Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I was green with envy when my friend won the lead role in the play, whereas I was only

one of the extras. To be green with envy means…

a) To be very jealous and full of envy b) To feel a bit ill and turn a little green

c) To be envious yet happy for a friend’s success

Idioms: Colours


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Look at the World Through Rose Look at the World Through Rose Look at the World Through Rose Look at the World Through Rose Coloured GColoured GColoured GColoured Glasseslasseslasseslasses

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My mother views the world through rose coloured glasses and sees only the good in

situations. Look at the world through rose coloured glasses

means…

a) To wear a pair of rose glasses that distorts vision

b) To be too optimistic about something; to only see the bright side c) To view world events in a negative way

Idioms: Colours

Once in a Blue MOnce in a Blue MOnce in a Blue MOnce in a Blue Moonoonoonoon

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My parents are very health conscious, so we only get to have fish & chips once in a blue

moon. Once in a blue moon means…

a) To happen only rarely b) To only buy fish & chips when it’s a full moon

c) To only buy fish & chips once a year

Idioms: Colours

Paint the Town RPaint the Town RPaint the Town RPaint the Town Redededed

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My parents were in a good mood. Dad said, as they were leaving, ‘Tonight, your mother

and I are going out to paint the town red.’ Paint the town red means…

a) To go out and have a great time b) To go out with pots of paint and paint buildings

red

c) To live in a town that has red buildings Idioms: Colours

Roll Out the Red CRoll Out the Red CRoll Out the Red CRoll Out the Red Carpetarpetarpetarpet

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: When the president visited our city, the mayor rolled out the red carpet for him.

To roll out the red carpet means...

a) To put in a new carpet in a house b) To welcome and show respect to a visiting person c) To treat a visiting person with disrespect

Idioms: Colours

Show Show Show Show one’sone’sone’sone’s True CTrue CTrue CTrue Coloursoloursoloursolours

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I always felt that my boss didn’t like me, but he was always nice to me. His true colours

were revealed when he fired me. To show one’s true colours means...

a) To reveal the colour of your skin and eyes

b) When an individual displays the type of person they really are c) To wear matching coloured clothes

Idioms: Colours

White EWhite EWhite EWhite Elephantlephantlephantlephant Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: Federation square is controversial. Some developers believe the square to be a great venue and meeting place, whereas others

describe it as a white elephant. White elephant means...

a) A useless place or problematic situation b) A building or venue that has great potential

c) A rare albino elephant

Idioms: Colours


20


To Pass with Flying CTo Pass with Flying CTo Pass with Flying CTo Pass with Flying Coloursoloursoloursolours

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I nervously looked at my exam results and was relieved to learn that I had passed with

flying colours. To pass with flying colours means…

a) To make a bare pass, or just pass

b) To pass with great success c) To pass a course in flying coloured kites

Idioms: Colours

Tickled PTickled PTickled PTickled Pinkinkinkink

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I sent flowers to my best friend on her birthday. She was tickled pink that I had

remembered her birthday.

To be pickled pink means...

a) To be very pleased and delighted b) To be annoyed or very cross

c) To be tickled so hard your skin turns pink

Idioms: Colours

White LWhite LWhite LWhite Lieieieie Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I really wanted to see a new rock band that night, so I told my friend a white lie. I said, ‘I can’t come to your birthday party because I feel

a bit sick.’ White lie means…

a) To tell a huge lie b) To tell a harmless lie to avoid hurting someone’s feelings c) To tell a lie in order to trick someone

Idioms: Colours

To See RTo See RTo See RTo See Redededed

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I began to see red when I learnt that I had been misled by the car salesman, and bought

a terrible car.

To see red means…

a) To wear red tinted sunglasses

b) To become very angry or annoyed c) To become aware of something

Idioms: Colours

Red TRed TRed TRed Tapeapeapeape

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: It could be argued that state and national water wastage is a problem because of

red tape in government departments.

Red tape means…

a) Having to overcome time consuming paperwork to complete a goal b) Red tape used to seal office doors

c) Difficulty in deciding on a course of action Idioms: Colours

Out of the BOut of the BOut of the BOut of the Bluelueluelue

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: Out of the blue our math teacher resigned and decided that he wanted to live and

work in India. Out of the blue means…

a) A complete surprise. No warning b) To come to a decision

c) An object that appears from out of a clear blue

sky Idioms: Colours


21


In the RIn the RIn the RIn the Redededed Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The businessman said to his staff, ‘I’m afraid I’m going to have to let some of you go, because our business is too much in the red.’

In the red means…

a) To use red ink in your pen instead of blue or

black

b) To have too many staff in a company

c) To lose money and to be unprofitable

Idioms: Colours

Pot Calling the Kettle BPot Calling the Kettle BPot Calling the Kettle BPot Calling the Kettle Blacklacklacklack Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My friend criticized me for wearing dirty shoes, which is the pot calling the kettle black, because his shoes are dirtier than mine.

Pot calling the kettle black means…

a) To have dirty pots on the stove b) The person who criticizes is as guilty as those he accuses c) To be fair and reasonable with criticism

Idioms: Colours


22


Bet OBet OBet OBet One’s Bottom ne’s Bottom ne’s Bottom ne’s Bottom DollarDollarDollarDollar

Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My mother and I were waiting in the car for Dad to come out of the hardware store. Mom said, ‘I’ll bet my bottom dollar that your father won’t be out of that store anytime soon.’ Bet one’s bottom dollar means...

a) The dollar is in the bottom of my pocket

b) My money is at the bottom of the well

c) Bet all one has on something. A certainty. Idioms: Money

Born with a Silver Spoon in OBorn with a Silver Spoon in OBorn with a Silver Spoon in OBorn with a Silver Spoon in Onenenene’’’’s Mouths Mouths Mouths Mouth

Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My friend and I watched as our classmate was driven to school in his father’s

luxury car. My friend turned to me and said ‘that boy was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.’ Born with a silver spoon in ones mouth means...

a) Someone who likes the taste of silver

b) Someone born to wealth and comfort c) Someone who always has a spoon in ones mouth

Idioms: Money

Bottom LineBottom LineBottom LineBottom Line Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My teacher wasn’t happy with me when he said, ‘The bottom line is, if you don’t start working harder on your project, I may have

to fail you.’ Bottom line means...

a) The most important thing b) The line at the bottom

c) The point of no return

Idioms: Money

Dime a DozenDime a DozenDime a DozenDime a Dozen Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: I wanted to buy a yellow budgie. My mum frowned and said ‘Budgies are a dime a dozen. I’d much prefer you bought a canary.’ Dime a dozen means...

a) Something that isn’t worth much

b) Something that is worth as much as a carton of

eggs. c) Easy to get or buy, therefore of little value....

Idioms: Money

Flat BrokeFlat BrokeFlat BrokeFlat Broke Scenario: Scenario: Scenario: Scenario: My friend and I went to the fish &

chip shop for lunch. I bought potato cakes, while my friend bought chips. He turned to me and said ‘I’d love to buy some fish but I’m flat broke.’ Flat broke means...

a) Having no money b) Your have a flat tire and your bike is broken

c) Your wallet has a hole in it

Idioms: Money

For a SongFor a SongFor a SongFor a Song Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My mother was in a good mood. She pointed to an old battered fry pan and said ‘I found this down at the second hand store. I

bought it for a song.’ For a song means... a) To be good at singing songs b) To buy something for a low price, to buy cheaply c) To sing a song for an item, instead of paying

money Idioms: Money


23


Highway RobberyHighway RobberyHighway RobberyHighway Robbery Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: We went to the car yard to buy a new car. My father looked at the prices and said in an annoyed tone ‘The cars are too expensive

here. It’s highway robbery.’ Highway robbery means...

a) To charge a very high price for something b) To rob somebody on the highway

c) To steal something from somebody

Idioms: Money

Hit the JackboxHit the JackboxHit the JackboxHit the Jackbox Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My big brother found some money he

had lost a year ago. He yelled ‘Whoo Hoo...There must be 40 dollars here. I’ve really

hit the jackbox this time!’ Hit the jackbox means...

a) Hit a jack-in-the-box in the mouth b) Make or find a lot of money suddenly c) Win at the casino

Idioms: Money

On the HouseOn the HouseOn the HouseOn the House Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: The hotel manager was a good friend of my fathers. When our family arrived for dinner the hotel manager said, ‘Tonight, my friend,

dinner for you and your family is on the house.’ On the house means...

a) To sit on the roof of a house

b) To eat dinner on the floor of a house

c) The owner of a place pays for you

Idioms: Money

Strike it RichStrike it RichStrike it RichStrike it Rich Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My uncle burst into the house with a huge smile on his face and said, ‘I struck it rich.’ We learnt later that he had won a lot of money in

the lottery. Strike it rich means...

a) To smile warmly at someone b) Become suddenly wealthy or successful without expecting to. c) To strike the ground with a pickaxe and find gold.

Idioms: Money

Stone BrokeStone BrokeStone BrokeStone Broke Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My friends were going to the cinema to see the new film. They asked if I wanted to come. I replied, ‘I can’t go to the cinema because

I’m stone broke.’ Stone-broke means...

a) To have a pocket full of stones

b) To be as poor as a broken stone c) To have no money

Idioms: Money

Scrape TogetherScrape TogetherScrape TogetherScrape Together Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My friend Paul wanted to buy the new action figure. He said, ‘If we combine our money we’ll be able to scrape together enough

money to buy that toy.’ Scrape together means...

a) To share money with someone b) To gather small amounts of money together to form a small total. c) To gather money together with a friend

Idioms: Money


24


Red CentRed CentRed CentRed Cent

Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My father shopped for a new lawn mower. He said ‘I wouldn’t give a red cent for

half the mowers I saw today.’

Red cent means...

a) A red cent is a coin that is shiny red

b) The smallest amount of money c) The last coin in your wallet

Idioms: Money

Rake in the MoneyRake in the MoneyRake in the MoneyRake in the Money

Scenario: Scenario: Scenario: Scenario: My parents have been raking in the money with their cleaning business. They have so much money now that our family will be able to

go on a long holiday to Fiji. Rake in the money means...

a) To make a lot of money b) To use a rake to gather up spare money

c) To clean money Idioms: Money

Rain CheckRain CheckRain CheckRain Check

Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: I invited my friend over to watch a DVD. He said, ‘Sorry, I can’t. I’ll have to take a

rain check. I’ll come next time’ Rain check means...

a) To promise to be available for an invitation at a later date b) To check for rain before accepting an invitation

c) To enjoy dancing in the rain

Idioms: Money

Pay TPay TPay TPay Through the Nosehrough the Nosehrough the Nosehrough the Nose

Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: I had to pay through the nose to buy my new jeans. They are the latest style and

certainly not cheap.

Pay through the nose means...

a) To pay for something using the length of your

nose as a measure

b) Pay money for something that is a very high price, almost too much c) To not pay much money for something. A bargain

Idioms: Money

Pass the BuckPass the BuckPass the BuckPass the Buck

Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My mother was angry. She said, ‘I am so tired of being blamed for others mistakes. My

boss keeps passing the buck.’ Pass the buck means...

a) To pass money on to someone who needs it

b) To take responsibility for one’s own actions

c) To put the responsibility of decision making onto someone else

Idioms: Money

On a ShoestringOn a ShoestringOn a ShoestringOn a Shoestring Scenario: Scenario: Scenario: Scenario: I asked my mother if I could go to the cinema with my friends. She shook her head sadly and said, ‘No, I’m afraid we’re living on a

shoestring, so you can’t go.’ On a shoestring means...

a) To sell shoestrings to make money

b) On a very low budget with little money to spend c) On a high budget with lots of spare money

Idioms: Money


25


Money tMoney tMoney tMoney to Burno Burno Burno Burn

Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My best friend comes from a family where they have money to burn. They’re always

going on expensive holidays. Money to burn means...

a) Money is scarce; so don’t spend it on unnecessary

things

b) Use paper money to light the fire

c) To have lots of money. Money to spare Idioms: Money

As Poor as a Church MouseAs Poor as a Church MouseAs Poor as a Church MouseAs Poor as a Church Mouse

Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My family is as poor as a church mouse. I have holes in my old trainers but can’t

afford new shoes.

As Poor as a Church Mouse means…

a) To be wealthy

b) To need new shoes c) To be very poor

Idioms: Money


26


Back on OBack on OBack on OBack on Onenenene’s F’s F’s F’s Feeteeteeteet Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I felt sick and went to the doctors. He gave me some medicine and told me I’d be back

on my feet in no time. Back on ones feet means…

a) To feel better and get out of bed

b) To stand up after tripping over

c) To feel physically healthy again

Idioms: Medical

Clean Bill of HClean Bill of HClean Bill of HClean Bill of Healthealthealthealth Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My grandmother had been ill for some time, but now she was much better. Her doctor

gave her a clean bill of health. Clean bill of health means…

a) To be given a doctors bill on crisp, clean paper b) A report that confirms a person is healthy c) A report that is uncertain about a person’s health

Idioms: Medical

Taste of OTaste of OTaste of OTaste of Onenenene’s own M’s own M’s own M’s own Medicineedicineedicineedicine Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The boy, who rudely knocked the

milkshake out of my hand, got a taste of his own medicine when his ice cream later fell in the sand. Taste of ones own medicine means…

a) Having an ice-cream knocked out of your hand

unintentionally

b) Those that treat others poorly are treated the same way c) Made to swallow bitter medicine

Idioms: Medical

Go UGo UGo UGo Under tnder tnder tnder the Khe Khe Khe Knifenifenifenife

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My friend told me, ‘My father went under the knife last night. He’s expected to be

home from the hospital tomorrow.’ Go under the knife means…

a) To be operated on in surgery b) To come home from the hospital safely

c) To cut your finger

Idioms: Medical

Just what the Doctor OJust what the Doctor OJust what the Doctor OJust what the Doctor Orderedrderedrderedrdered

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I was cold and wet after playing footy in the rain and mud. Mum ran me a hot bath,

which is just what the doctor ordered. Just what the doctor ordered means…

a) The family doctor ordered a hot bath

b) Exactly what is needed or wanted c) A doctor’s orders are to be followed to prevent a

cold Idioms: Medical

Bring RBring RBring RBring Roundoundoundound Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My friend fainted because of the heat.

I tried to bring her round with a fan but she didn’t feel better till much later.

Bring round means…

a) To restore someone to consciousness b) To walk someone around in a circle when they

feel feint

c) To bring someone who feels ill a glass of water Idioms: Medical


27


Out COut COut COut Coldoldoldold Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The football player jumped high for the ball and came crashing back to the ground, and lay without moving. The T.V. commentator said the player looked like he was out cold.

Out cold means…

a) To be outside on a cold day b) To lose consciousness c) To feel cold and clammy

Idioms: Medical

Come Down WCome Down WCome Down WCome Down Withithithith…………

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My mum was sneezing and didn’t look well. She said, ‘I think I may be coming down with

a cold.’ Come down with…

a) To walk down the stairs with an item b) To become sick c) To come back to earth

Idioms: Medical

Feel on Top of the WFeel on Top of the WFeel on Top of the WFeel on Top of the Worldorldorldorld

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The student came out of the exam room and said, ‘I think I did very well. I’m feeling

on top of the world.’ Feel on top of the world means…

a) To feel very happy and very healthy b) To feel giddy from heights

c) To feel happy from being up so high

Idioms: Medical

Flare UFlare UFlare UFlare Upppp Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The basketball player played the game with a sore knee. He put an ice pack on the knee after the game because it had flared-up again. Flare-up means…

a) A reoccurrence of an old injury or illness b) An injury that causes swelling

c) To play sport while injured

Idioms: Medical

Head SHead SHead SHead Shrinkerhrinkerhrinkerhrinker

Setting: Setting: Setting: Setting: My dad said, ‘The man was ordered by the court to go and see a head shrinker because

of his strange behaviour.’ Head Shrinker means…

a) A witch Doctor

b) A psychiatrist; a doctor who works with patients who have mental illness. c) A person who shrinks heads for a living

Idioms: Medical

Look the Picture of HLook the Picture of HLook the Picture of HLook the Picture of Healthealthealthealth

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The nurse was pleased with the patient’s progress. ‘You look the picture of

health,’ she beamed.

Look the picture of health means…

a) To look like a picture

b) To be in good health and to look healthy c) To look healthy, but be still quite ill

Idioms: Medical


28


On the MOn the MOn the MOn the Mendendendend

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The boy’s grandfather had had surgery two weeks before, but was now up and walking. He said to his grandson, ‘I think I’m

finally on the mend.’ On the mend means…

a) To feel quite ill b) Starting to heal. Become better c) To repair a broken bone

Idioms: Medical

Over the WOver the WOver the WOver the Worsorsorsorstttt

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The doctor said to the nurse, ‘I’m pleased with Mr. Smith’s progress.’ The nurse replied, ‘Yes, I think he’s finally over the worst.’

Over the worst means…

a) Starting to recover from an illness b) To be very ill

c) Starting to become ill

Idioms: Medical

Run Some TRun Some TRun Some TRun Some Testsestsestsests

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The doctor said to the patient, ‘I just want to run some tests to make sure that

everything’s cleared up.’

Run some tests means…

a) A doctor performs medical tests b) A written test to pass an exam

c) To have a courier deliver tests to a hospital

Idioms: Medical

Take a Turn for the WTake a Turn for the WTake a Turn for the WTake a Turn for the Worseorseorseorse

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The doctor said to my mother, ‘Your husband has taken a turn for the worst, and will have to stay in hospital for a few extra days.’

Take a turn for the worst means…

a) To turn the corner, become better

b) To take your turn in line

c) To become more ill

Idioms: Medical

Run a TRun a TRun a TRun a Temperatureemperatureemperatureemperature Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The mother placed a thermometer in her baby’s mouth. She frowned and said, ‘He’s

running a temperature.’

Run a temperature means…

a) A person’s temperature is high, indicating illness

b) A person’s temperature is high, indicating good

health

c) A person who runs fast has a high temperature Idioms: Medical

Pull TPull TPull TPull Throughhroughhroughhrough

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The nurse said, ‘It was touch and go with Mrs. Jones there for a while, but I’m now

confident that she’ll pull through.’

Pull through means…

a) To become more ill

b) To recover from a serious illness or injury c) To go from being healthy to being sick

Idioms: Medical


29


Run DRun DRun DRun Downownownown

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The doctor said to his patient, ‘I want you to take some time off from work. You look

run down and need a holiday.’

Run down means…

a) To feel a bit down after running a race

b) To feel good after working hard

c) To be in poor condition, which could lead to poor health

Idioms: Medical

Under the WUnder the WUnder the WUnder the Weathereathereathereather

Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My friend didn’t feel like coming out to kick the footy. He said he was a bit under the

weather.

Under the weather means…

a) To feel poorly because of a rainy day

b) To get wet when you’re under a rain cloud c) To not feel very well

Idioms: Medical

idioms pdf

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figurative language

red tape