Common English Idioms Explained | ESL Worksheet PDF

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Common English Idioms Explained

Reading Worksheet — Elementary (C) | tahricteaches.com

Do you know what an idiom is? An idiom is a phrase that has a special meaning. The words in an idiom do not mean what they say. For example, “break a leg” does not mean you hurt your leg! Idioms make English interesting and fun to learn.

One common idiom is “under the weather.” When someone is under the weather, they feel sick. If your friend says, “I am under the weather today,” it means they are not feeling well. You can say this when you stay home from school.

Another fun idiom is “piece of cake.” This does not mean real cake! It means something is very easy. If a test is a piece of cake, the test is not hard. Students say this when their homework is simple and quick to finish.

“Break a leg!” is something people say before a show or performance. It does not mean something bad. It means “good luck!” Actors and singers hear this before they go on stage. It is a happy and kind thing to say.

Some idioms talk about secrets. “Let the cat out of the bag” means you tell a secret by accident. Idioms like these make English colorful and fun. Try to use one idiom today and see if your friends understand!

A. Vocabulary

  1. idiom ____
  2. phrase ____
  3. weather ____
  4. sick ____
  5. easy ____
  6. expression ____
  7. meaning ____
  8. secret ____
  9. performance ____
  10. accident ____
  • a. phrase with a special meaning different from what the words usually mean
  • b. something that happens without being planned
  • c. common saying or phrase that people use
  • d. information you do not share with others
  • e. not difficult; simple to do
  • f. what a word or phrase tells you
  • g. group of words used together
  • h. conditions outside such as sun, rain, or wind
  • i. a show in front of an audience
  • j. not feeling well; unwell
Common English Idioms Explained worksheet

B. True or False

  1. ____   An idiom means exactly what the words say.
  2. ____   “Under the weather” means you feel sick.
  3. ____   “Piece of cake” means the food is delicious.
  4. ____   “Break a leg” is a way to say good luck.
  5. ____   Idioms make English boring and hard to enjoy.
  6. ____   “Let the cat out of the bag” means you tell a secret.
  7. ____   Actors say “break a leg” before a show.
  8. ____   “Piece of cake” means the homework is very difficult.
  9. ____   You say “under the weather” when you feel very happy.
  10. ____   Idioms are phrases with special meanings.

C. Fill in the Blanks

Word Bank: idiom, sick, easy, phrase, secret, weather, performance, accident
  1. An ___ is a group of words with a special meaning.
  2. When you are under the weather, you feel ___.
  3. “Piece of cake” means something is very ___.
  4. A ___ is a group of words used together.
  5. “Let the cat out of the bag” means you tell a ___ by accident.

D. Comprehension Questions

  1. What is an idiom?
  2. What does the idiom “piece of cake” mean?
  3. When do people say “break a leg” and why?

E. Discussion Questions

  1. Do you have idioms in your language? Can you share one and explain what it means in English?
  2. Which English idiom from the passage do you like best, and when could you use it?
Answer Key (click to reveal)

A. Vocabulary: 1-a, 2-g, 3-h, 4-j, 5-e, 6-c, 7-f, 8-d, 9-i, 10-b

B. True/False: 1-F, 2-T, 3-F, 4-T, 5-F, 6-T, 7-T, 8-F, 9-F, 10-T

C. Fill Blanks: 1-idiom, 2-sick, 3-easy, 4-phrase, 5-secret

D. Comprehension:

  1. An idiom is a phrase with a special meaning that is different from what the words usually mean.
  2. “Piece of cake” means something is very easy or not difficult to do.
  3. People say “break a leg” before a show or performance because it means “good luck.”

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