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Figurative Language and Idiom is a free printable Grade 5 English worksheet on interpreting figures of speech and proverbs, aligned to Common Core standard L.5.5. It prints 8 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions, 22 of them with different questions, so no two pupils in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.

Set 1 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.

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One paper per pupil

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22 of these 25 sets ask different questions — this skill does not have 25 questions to give. The rest reorder them, so no two pupils have the same paper in front of them.

Figurative Language and Idiom

L.5.5

NameDate

Tick the right answer.

1."As quiet as a mouse" What does this really mean?
  • A.making almost no sound
  • B.a small silent rodent
2."The classroom was a zoo." What does this really mean?
  • A.The classroom was noisy and wild.
  • B.Animals were kept in the classroom.
3."As light as a feather" What does this really mean?
  • A.a feather's actual weight
  • B.weighing very little
4."Time is a thief." What does this really mean?
  • A.Time takes things from us without our noticing.
  • B.Time steals objects.
5."The snow is a white blanket." What does this really mean?
  • A.The snow covers everything evenly.
  • B.The snow is bedding.
6."As busy as a bee" What does this really mean?
  • A.an insect gathering pollen
  • B.working very hard
7."His words were music to her ears." What does this really mean?
  • A.His words were played on instruments.
  • B.What he said was very pleasing to hear.
8."Her smile was as bright as the sun." What does this really mean?
  • A.Her smile was very warm and cheerful.
  • B.Her smile gave off sunlight.

LessonPrint · L.5.5 · Set 1 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Figurative Language and Idiom

Set 1. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.making almost no sound
  2. 2.The classroom was noisy and wild.
  3. 3.weighing very little
  4. 4.Time takes things from us without our noticing.
  5. 5.The snow covers everything evenly.
  6. 6.working very hard
  7. 7.What he said was very pleasing to hear.
  8. 8.Her smile was very warm and cheerful.

Questions about Figurative Language and Idiom

What does the Figurative Language and Idiom worksheet cover?

It practises interpreting figures of speech and proverbs — 8 questions for Grade 5, all on Common Core L.5.5: Interpret figurative language, idioms, proverbs and shades of meaning. The instruction to pupils is “Tick the right answer”, and the answer key follows on the next sheet.

Which Common Core standard does Figurative Language and Idiom practise?

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.5 — L.5.5, in the Language domain for Grade 5. 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?

Figurative Language and Idiom is written for Grade 5, typically ages 10-11. It is one of the sheets on L.5.5, so it suits any pupil working at that standard — including older pupils revisiting it and younger ones working ahead.

Does Figurative Language and Idiom 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 Figurative Language and Idiom can I print?

25 versions, of which 22 ask genuinely different questions — this skill does not have 25 distinct questions to give, so the rest reorder them and no two pupils still share a paper. Set 1 downloads all 25 as one PDF.

Is Figurative Language and Idiom free to print and photocopy?

Yes. Figurative Language and Idiom, 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.5.5?

Yes — “Idioms, Adages, Proverbs and Nuance” is a 40-minute Grade 5 plan for L.5.5, timed section by section, with the misconceptions to expect and an exit ticket. Figurative Language and Idiom is the practice that follows it.

More practice for L.5.5

Interpret figurative language, idioms, proverbs and shades of meaning.

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

All Grade 5 worksheets

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to L.5.5 of the Common Core State Standards for English language arts.