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Idioms

Discover the fascinating world of idioms with our grade 4-6 kids' guide. Learn the meanings and origins of popular idiomatic expressions, and explore how they add color and depth to the English language. 

Idioms

are phrases or expressions that have a figurative meaning that is different from their literal meaning. They add color and depth to our language. Let's explore some common idioms along with their meanings:

  1. Break a leg: This idiom is often used to wish someone good luck. It means to do your best or perform well, especially in a performance or competition. Example: "I hope you break a leg in your dance recital!"

  2. Piece of cake: This idiom means that something is very easy or simple to do. Example: "Don't worry about the math test. It'll be a piece of cake for you!"

  3. Kick the bucket: This idiom means to die. It's a more informal and light-hearted way of referring to someone's passing. Example: "I heard that old Mr. Johnson kicked the bucket last night."

  4. Hit the nail on the head: This idiom means to say or do something that is exactly right or accurate. Example: "Sara hit the nail on the head when she said we should study for the test together."

  5. Break the ice: This idiom means to do or say something to relieve tension or awkwardness in a social situation. Example: "Tom told a joke to break the ice and make everyone feel more comfortable."

  6. Cost an arm and a leg: This idiom means that something is very expensive. Example: "I wanted to buy that new video game, but it costs an arm and a leg, so I'll have to save up."

  7. Let the cat out of the bag: This idiom means to reveal a secret or disclose information that was supposed to be kept hidden. Example: "Oops, I let the cat out of the bag and told Sarah about her surprise party."

  8. Piece of pie: This idiom has a similar meaning to "piece of cake." It means that something is very easy to do. Example: "Don't worry about the spelling test. It'll be a piece of pie for you!"

  9. Break the ice: This idiom means to initiate or start a conversation or interaction with someone. Example: "John broke the ice by asking the new student about their favorite hobbies."

  10. Let sleeping dogs lie: This idiom means to avoid bringing up a past issue or stirring up trouble. It suggests leaving things as they are to maintain peace. Example: "I know you're still upset with him, but let sleeping dogs lie and don't bring it up again."

Remember, idioms are not meant to be taken literally. They add fun and creativity to our language, so keep an ear out for idioms in conversations and books, and don't be afraid to use them to make your speech more interesting!

Some more examples:


  • A dime a dozen: Something that is very common or easy to obtain.
  • All thumbs: Being clumsy or awkward.
  • Apple of my eye: Someone or something that is cherished or loved deeply.
  • Ball is in your court: It's your turn to take action or make a decision.
  • Beat around the bush: Avoiding the main topic or being indirect.
  • Burning the midnight oil: Working or studying late into the night.
  • Caught between a rock and a hard place: Being faced with two difficult choices.
  • Don't count your chickens before they hatch: Don't assume something will happen until it actually does.
  • Elephant in the room: An obvious issue or problem that people avoid discussing.
  • Feather in your cap: An accomplishment or achievement to be proud of.
  • Fish out of water: Feeling uncomfortable or out of place in a particular situation.
  • Get cold feet: Losing courage or confidence to do something.
  • Hit the jackpot: Experiencing great success or good fortune.
  • In hot water: Being in trouble or facing a difficult situation.
  • Jump on the bandwagon: Joining a popular trend or movement.
  • Keep your fingers crossed: Hoping for good luck or a positive outcome.
  • Let the chips fall where they may: Allowing events to unfold naturally without interference.
  • Make a mountain out of a molehill: Exaggerating or making something seem more significant than it really is.
  • No pain, no gain: Hard work and effort are necessary to achieve success.
  • On the fence: Being undecided or uncertain about something.
  • Put all your eggs in one basket: Relying completely on one single thing or plan.
  • Rain on someone's parade: Spoiling or ruining someone's plans or happiness.
  • Saved by the bell: Rescued from a difficult or unpleasant situation at the last moment.
  • Steal someone's thunder: Taking credit for someone else's ideas or achievements.
  • The ball is in your court: It's your turn to take action or make a decision.
  • Up in the air: Uncertain or undecided about something.
  • Wear your heart on your sleeve: Showing your emotions openly and without reserve.
  • A picture is worth a thousand words: A visual image can convey a complex idea more effectively than words alone.
  • Actions speak louder than words: What you do is more important than what you say.
  • All bark and no bite: Someone who talks tough but doesn't follow through with their threats.
  • Back to square one: Starting over from the beginning.
  • Bite off more than you can chew: Taking on more responsibility or work than you can handle.
  • Break the ice: To initiate a conversation or social interaction.
  • Cry over spilled milk: Worrying about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
  • Don't judge a book by its cover: Not judging someone or something based on appearance alone.
  • Drive someone up the wall: Annoying or irritating someone.
  • Every cloud has a silver lining: Finding something positive in a difficult or challenging situation.
  • Fish or cut bait: Make a decision or take action instead of wasting time.
  • Give someone the benefit of the doubt: Trusting someone or assuming they are innocent until proven otherwise.
  • Have a chip on your shoulder: Being easily offended or harboring a grudge.
  • Hit the ground running: Starting a project or task quickly and energetically.
  • Keep your chin up: Remaining optimistic in the face of adversity.
  • Let sleeping dogs lie: Avoiding bringing up a past issue or stirring up trouble.
  • On thin ice: In a risky or precarious situation.
  • Piece of cake: Something that is very easy to do.
  • Pull someone's leg: Teasing or joking with someone in a playful manner.
  • Rome wasn't built in a day: Achieving something significant takes time and effort.
  • Sit on the fence: Being undecided or neutral about an issue.
  • Take the bull by the horns: Taking direct action or control of a situation.
  • You can't judge a book by its cover: You can't accurately assess someone or something based on appearance alone.
  • A leopard can't change its spots: People cannot change their fundamental nature or character.
  • All that glitters is not gold: Not everything that appears valuable or attractive is necessarily so.
  • Back to the drawing board: Starting over because the previous plan or attempt failed.
  • Barking up the wrong tree: Accusing or blaming the wrong person or pursuing the wrong course of action.
  • Cry wolf: Giving a false alarm or exaggerating a situation.
  • Diamond in the rough: Something or someone with potential but needs polishing or development.
  • Get a taste of your own medicine: Experiencing the same treatment or behavior that one has inflicted on others.
  • Hit the nail on the head: Saying or doing something exactly right or accurate.
  • Keep your eyes peeled: Staying alert and watchful.
  • Let the cat out of the bag: Revealing a secret or confidential information.
  • Once in a blue moon: Something that happens very rarely.
  • Put the cart before the horse: Doing things in the wrong order or prioritizing incorrectly.
  • Stepping stone: A small accomplishment that helps to achieve a larger goal.
  • The early bird catches the worm: Being proactive and starting early gives an advantage.
  • All in the same boat: Facing the same challenges or circumstances.
  • Break a sweat: Exerting physical effort or working hard.
  • Curiosity killed the cat: Being too curious or nosy can lead to trouble.
  • Fish for compliments: Seeking praise or compliments from others.
  • Have a skeleton in the closet: Having a secret or embarrassing past.
  • In the doghouse: Being in disfavor or out of favor with someone.
  • Keep your nose clean: Behaving well and staying out of trouble.
  • Let bygones be bygones: Forgiving and forgetting past conflicts or issues.
  • Over the moon: Extremely happy or delighted.
  • Saved by the bell: Rescued from a difficult or dangerous situation just in time.
  • Take it with a grain of salt: Not fully believing or accepting something as true.
  • The grass is always greener on the other side: Thinking that other people's situations or circumstances are better than our own.
  • A blessing in disguise: Something that initially seems unfortunate but turns out to be beneficial.
  • All dressed up and nowhere to go: Being well-prepared for an event or occasion that doesn't happen.
  • Backseat driver: Someone who gives unwanted advice or criticism to the person actually doing something.
  • Cross that bridge when you come to it: Dealing with a problem or challenge only when it arises, not in advance.
  • Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater: Not discarding something valuable while trying to get rid of something undesirable.
  • Go the extra mile: Putting in additional effort or going beyond what is expected.
  • Haste makes waste: Rushing or acting hastily can lead to mistakes or wastefulness.
  • Hit the road: To start a journey or leave a place.
  • Keep your feet on the ground: Remaining realistic and practical.
  • Let your hair down: Relaxing and enjoying yourself without inhibitions.
  • Out of the frying pan and into the fire: Escaping one problem only to encounter a worse situation.
  • Play it by ear: Making decisions or taking action based on the circumstances at the time, rather than following a plan.
  • See eye to eye: Agreeing with someone or having the same opinion.
  • The straw that broke the camel's back: The final small event or action that causes a big problem or breakdown.
  • A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush: It's better to hold onto something you have for certain than to risk losing it by trying to get something better.
  • All is fair in love and war: Anything goes in the pursuit of love or during times of conflict.
  • Break the ice: To initiate a conversation or social interaction.
  • Cut to the chase: Getting to the point or the main issue without wasting time.
  • Elephant in the room: An obvious issue or problem that people avoid discussing.
  • Get the show on the road: To start or begin a task or event.
  • Hit below the belt: Using unfair or unethical tactics.
  • Let sleeping dogs lie: Avoiding bringing up a past issue or stirring up trouble.
  • Paint the town red: Going out and celebrating in an extravagant or lively manner.
  • Turn over a new leaf: Making a fresh start or changing one's behavior for the better.

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