Idioms worksheets
Aligned with Common Core L.4.5b
Printable fourth-grade idiom worksheets for speech and language: an idioms chart, explaining idioms, choosing the right idiom for a situation, finishing conversations, act-it-out cards, using idioms about yourself, an idiom board game and an idiom of the day log.
The worksheets
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Idioms Chart
Twenty-four idioms grouped by animals, food, the body and weather, each with what it really means.
Explain It to a Friend
Idioms like "a fish out of water" in example sentences, to explain out loud and then write the meaning. Fewer, Standard or More give 4, 5 or 6. Includes an answer key.
When Would You Say It
Situations like "A friend invites you over, but you're busy," each with three idioms to choose from. Fewer, Standard or More give 5, 6 or 7. Includes an answer key.
Finish the Conversation
Short two-person conversations with a missing idiom to fill in from a word box. Fewer, Standard or More give 4, 5 or 6. Includes an answer key.
Act It Out Cards
Eight idiom cards to cut out and act out, each with what the idiom means.
Use It About Yourself
Prompts like "Tell about a time you were in a pickle" to answer out loud with the idiom. Fewer, Standard or More give 3, 4 or 5.
Idiom Talk Game
A board game for 2 to 4 players with idioms on the spaces and a few special spaces. All you need is a coin and a small marker for each player.
Idiom of the Day Log
Five idioms for a week, Monday to Friday, with space to write what each means and when you used it.
Print the whole packet
One copy of every sheet above, in order. Tap + for more copies (up to 10).
For the parent or teacher
What it is
An idiom is a saying that means something different from its words, like "in a pickle" for being in a tricky situation. Idioms come up all the time in conversation, so understanding and using them helps students follow what people mean and join in. These sheets are about talking: explaining idioms, choosing one that fits a moment and using them out loud. They use a different set of idioms from the 4th grade Reading topic.
What comes next
The Similes, metaphors and idioms topic in 4th grade Reading covers idioms in reading, along with similes, metaphors and proverbs.
How to teach it
- Teach in order or jump to whatever your student needs. A student may know what an idiom means and still be learning when to use it.
- Talk about what the words say and what they really mean. The difference is often funny.
- Use idioms in real conversation, then pause and ask your student what you meant.
- Practice one idiom a day and look for chances to use it.
- Act idioms out together to make them memorable.
Common mistakes
- Taking an idiom word for word, like picturing a real fish out of water.
- Using an idiom in the wrong situation, where its meaning doesn't fit.
- Changing the words of an idiom so it no longer makes sense.
- Knowing what an idiom means but never using it.