Common Idioms

What does it mean to say: "It's raining cats and dogs!"?

• Cats and dogs are falling from the sky.
• It's raining very heavily.
• We are having a tornado.
• Animals have learned to fly.

Why do author's use idioms?

• To make their writing more interesting.
• To confuse the reader.
• To be mean.
• To cause frustration in the reader.

What is an idiom?

• A language
• A device used to confuse the reader.
• A word or phrase that does not mean what it says.
• A group of words that begin with the same sound.

What is a couch potato?

• A person who likes to eat potatoes on the couch.
• A potato pillow.
• A person who likes to sit and watch tv on the couch.
• A person who likes to play hot potato.

What does it really mean? "It's a piece of cake."

• Something is easy.
• Something is delicious.
• Something is soft and warm. 
• Don't eat more than one piece!

What does it really mean: "She was pulling my leg."

• She grabbed my leg and tugged on it.
• She hurt my leg.
• She was joking with me. 
• She was angry.

What does it really mean: "I'm in a pickle!"

• I'm happy
• I'm in trouble
• I'm inside a pickle
• I'm joking

What does it really mean: "There are butterflies in my stomach!' 

• I'm sad
• I'm loving
• I'm happy
• I'm nervous

What does it really mean: "You have a broken heart."

• Happy feelings
• Sad feelings
• Excited feelings
• Worried feelings

What does it really mean: "Go break a leg!"

• Do a bad job
• Break your leg
• Good luck!
• Get well soon.