What Does It Mean
Read each sentence. The words in bold are a simile or a metaphor. Circle what they mean.
Fresh sheet anytime. Tap New sheet or reload for a different one. Tap + for up to 10.
This is sheet #166324601.
How to do it
- Read the sentence.
- Think about what the bold words are comparing.
- Circle what they mean.
Teaching tip
Ask what the two things have in common. A bear and a hungry kid are both ready to eat a lot. This sheet is aligned with Common Core L.4.5.
About this worksheet
Similes and metaphors in sentences, each with three meanings to choose from, like "very hungry" for "as hungry as a bear." Fewer, Standard or More give 6, 8 or 10. Includes an answer key.
What kids practice
Figurative language says something in a colorful way, so the words don't mean exactly what they say. A simile compares two things using like or as. A metaphor says one thing is another. An idiom is a phrase whose meaning is different from its words, like "a piece of cake" for something easy. Adages and proverbs are old sayings that give advice, like "Look before you leap."
Watch for
- Reading an idiom literally, like picturing real beans for "spill the beans."
- Calling every sentence with like a simile, even when like means "enjoy," as in "I like pizza."
- Missing a metaphor because it doesn't use like or as.
- Knowing a saying by heart but not when it fits a real situation.
It's free to print, with Fewer, Standard or More on the page and an answer key. See the full similes, metaphors and idioms guide for 4th grade.
More sheets in this set
- See it all
1. Figurative Language ChartSimiles, metaphors, idioms and adages or proverbs, each with what it is, an example sentence and what the example means. 
2. Simile or MetaphorSentences like "The classroom was a zoo after recess." with the comparison in bold, to circle S for simile or M for metaphor. Fewer, Standard or More give 8, 10 or 12. Includes an answer key.
4. Finish the SimileSimile starters like "The library was as quiet as" to finish in your own words, plus a space to write your own simile. Fewer, Standard or More give 6, 8 or 10. The answer key shows sample endings.
5. Idiom MatchIdioms like "hit the books" and "hold your horses" to match with their meanings by letter. Fewer, Standard or More give 6, 8 or 10. Includes an answer key.
6. Idioms in SentencesIdioms in sentences, like "Sam stayed home because he felt under the weather," each with three meanings to choose from. Fewer, Standard or More give 6, 8 or 10. Includes an answer key.
7. Sayings and ProverbsSayings like "Two heads are better than one" to match with a situation they fit. Fewer, Standard or More give 4, 5 or 6. Includes an answer key.
8. Find It in the PassageFour short passages, like "Snow Day" and "Camping Night," each with 2 similes, 2 metaphors and 1 idiom to find, label and explain. The answer key marks each one and gives its meaning.