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Similes, Metaphors and Idioms is a free printable Grade 4 English worksheet on explaining what a figure of speech actually means, aligned to Common Core standard L.4.5. It prints 8 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two students in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.

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All 25 sets ask different questions.

Similes, Metaphors and Idioms

L.4.5

NameDate

Circle the right answer.

1."The puppy was as playful as a kitten." What does this simile mean?
  • A.The puppy loved to play.
  • B.The puppy was a kitten.
  • C.The puppy was tired.
2."The test was a piece of cake." What does this idiom mean?
  • A.The test was hard.
  • B.The test was about cake.
  • C.The test was very easy.
3."He is feeling under the weather." What does this idiom mean?
  • A.He is standing under a cloud.
  • B.He is feeling a little ill.
  • C.He is very happy.
4."The baby's cheeks were as red as apples." What does this simile mean?
  • A.The baby's cheeks were very red.
  • B.The baby was eating apples.
  • C.The baby's cheeks were pale.
5."Keep an eye on your little brother." What does this idiom mean?
  • A.Close one eye.
  • B.Watch your little brother carefully.
  • C.Put your eye on him.
6."Grandpa is a walking dictionary." What does this metaphor mean?
  • A.Grandpa is a book.
  • B.Grandpa walks a long way.
  • C.Grandpa knows the meanings of a great many words.
7."Tell me what happened. I'm all ears." What does this idiom mean?
  • A.I have a great many ears.
  • B.I cannot hear you.
  • C.I am listening carefully.
8."The stars were diamonds in the night sky." What does this metaphor mean?
  • A.Diamonds were floating in the sky.
  • B.The stars sparkled brightly.
  • C.The stars were for sale.

LessonPrint · L.4.5 · Set 1 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Similes, Metaphors and Idioms

Set 1. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.The puppy loved to play.
  2. 2.The test was very easy.
  3. 3.He is feeling a little ill.
  4. 4.The baby's cheeks were very red.
  5. 5.Watch your little brother carefully.
  6. 6.Grandpa knows the meanings of a great many words.
  7. 7.I am listening carefully.
  8. 8.The stars sparkled brightly.

Questions about Similes, Metaphors and Idioms

What does the Similes, Metaphors and Idioms worksheet cover?

It practices explaining what a figure of speech actually means — 8 questions for Grade 4, all on Common Core L.4.5: Explain similes, metaphors, idioms, proverbs, antonyms and synonyms. The instruction to students is “Circle the right answer”, and the answer key follows on the next sheet.

Which Common Core standard does Similes, Metaphors and Idioms practice?

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.5 — L.4.5, under Language for Grade 4. The published standard reads: “Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.” The worksheet assesses that standard rather than a paraphrase of it.

What age or grade is this worksheet for?

Similes, Metaphors and Idioms is written for Grade 4, typically ages 9-10. It is one of the sheets on L.4.5, so it suits any student working at that standard — including older students revisiting it and younger ones working ahead.

Does Similes, Metaphors and Idioms come with an answer key?

Yes. All 8 answers are generated from the same problems as the questions, so the key cannot drift out of step with the sheet. It starts on a fresh sheet of paper, after the questions, so it is not handed out with the class by accident.

How many different versions of Similes, Metaphors and Idioms can I print?

25 — one per student, and all 25 ask different questions. Set 1 downloads the whole class as a single PDF. Every version is fixed to its own address, so a sheet printed today holds the same problems when you reopen it next week.

Is Similes, Metaphors and Idioms free to print and photocopy?

Yes. Similes, Metaphors and Idioms, its answer key and its 25 versions are free to print and photocopy for your own class, with no account, no email capture and no subscription at the download step. Please do not resell them or republish them as your own.

Is there a lesson plan to teach L.4.5?

Yes — “Similes, Metaphors, Idioms and Proverbs” is a 40-minute Grade 4 plan for L.4.5, timed section by section, with the misconceptions to expect and an exit ticket. Similes, Metaphors and Idioms is the practice that follows it.

More practice for L.4.5

Explain similes, metaphors, idioms, proverbs, antonyms and synonyms.

Teaching this next? Similes, Metaphors, Idioms and Proverbs is the 40-minute plan for it, with the misconceptions to expect.

All Grade 4 worksheets

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to L.4.5 of the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.