Search Idiom Educational Resources

Idioms are phrases that have a figurative meaning, not a literal one. Their meanings derive from common usage. Idioms can be challenging to learn, since sometimes their origin can be obscure, but they are fun to learn for kids. With our worksheets and activities, teach your kids this most interesting quirk of the English language. Soon, using idioms in their everyday speech and writing will be a piece of cake

We use idioms all the time, even though we don’t know where they came from. They are so woven into the language that they’re just something we “know” as we get older. There are approximately 25,000 idiomatic expressions in the English language. But it’s not just the English language that contains them; every language has their own idioms as well. Idioms make language more interesting because they provide metaphorical meaning or historical or regional color.

10 Most Common Idiomatic Expressions

• Piece of cake (something that’s easy to do)
  Example: That test was a piece of cake.
• A hot potato (an issue or situation that’s controversial)
  Example: When the topic shifted to politics, my friend dropped the conversation like a hot potato.
• Once in a blue moon (very rarely)
  Example: I buy shoes once in a blue moon.
• When pigs fly (something that will never happen or is impossible)
  Example: She’ll clean her room without being told when pigs fly.
• Devil’s advocate (one who presents a counterargument)
  Example: Jack says the opposite just to play devil’s advocate.
• Miss the boat (miss your chance)
  Example: We missed the boat on that sale.
• A bed of roses (an easy option)
  Example: Doing chores is no bed of roses.
• Raining cats and dogs (raining very heavily)
  Example: Grab an umbrella. It’s raining cats and dogs.
• Apple of the eye (someone very precious)
  Example: My son is the apple of my eye.
• Zip your lip (stop talking)
  Example: It’s best to zip your lip when your teacher is talking.