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Figurative Language and Idiom is a free printable Grade 5 English worksheet on interpreting similes, metaphors and idioms in context, 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 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.

Set 13 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.

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Set 1 has all 25 in a single PDF. All 25 sets ask different questions.

Figurative Language and Idiom

L.5.5

NameDate

Circle the right answer.

1."Do not spill the beans about the surprise party." What does the idiom mean?
  • A.Do not tell anyone the secret.
  • B.Do not cook for the party.
  • C.Do not drop the beans.
2."The wind howled like a wolf all night." What does the simile suggest?
  • A.A wolf was outside.
  • B.The wind was quiet.
  • C.The wind made a long, loud, eerie sound.
3."We will have to face the music when Dad sees the broken window." What does the idiom mean?
  • A.We will have to accept what happens because of it.
  • B.We will have to listen to a song.
  • C.We will have to play an instrument.
4."The lecture was as dry as dust." What does the simile mean?
  • A.The lecture was very dull.
  • B.The lecture was exciting.
  • C.The room was dusty.
5."On market day the town was a beehive." What does the metaphor suggest?
  • A.Bees lived in the town.
  • B.The town was empty.
  • C.The town was busy and full of people.
6."Her words cut like a knife." What does the simile mean?
  • A.She was holding a knife.
  • B.Her words were kind.
  • C.Her words were hurtful.
7."After the long hike, Leo's backpack was an anchor dragging him down." What does the metaphor suggest?
  • A.Leo was on a boat.
  • B.The backpack was empty.
  • C.The backpack felt very heavy.
8."The fog was a thick blanket over the town." What does the metaphor suggest?
  • A.Somebody put a blanket on the town.
  • B.The fog was thin and patchy.
  • C.The fog covered the whole town.

LessonPrint · L.5.5 · Set 13 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Figurative Language and Idiom

Set 13. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.Do not tell anyone the secret.
  2. 2.The wind made a long, loud, eerie sound.
  3. 3.We will have to accept what happens because of it.
  4. 4.The lecture was very dull.
  5. 5.The town was busy and full of people.
  6. 6.Her words were hurtful.
  7. 7.The backpack felt very heavy.
  8. 8.The fog covered the whole town.

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.