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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 15 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."After the long hike, Leo's backpack was an anchor dragging him down." What does the metaphor suggest?
  • A.The backpack was empty.
  • B.Leo was on a boat.
  • C.The backpack felt very heavy.
2."We will have to face the music when Dad sees the broken window." What does the idiom mean?
  • A.We will have to listen to a song.
  • B.We will have to play an instrument.
  • C.We will have to accept what happens because of it.
3."The wind howled like a wolf all night." What does the simile suggest?
  • A.The wind was quiet.
  • B.The wind made a long, loud, eerie sound.
  • C.A wolf was outside.
4."The lecture was as dry as dust." What does the simile mean?
  • A.The lecture was very dull.
  • B.The room was dusty.
  • C.The lecture was exciting.
5."The last five minutes of the game were a roller coaster." What does the metaphor suggest?
  • A.The game was played at a fair.
  • B.The last minutes were full of ups and downs.
  • C.Nothing exciting happened.
6."Her words cut like a knife." What does the simile mean?
  • A.She was holding a knife.
  • B.Her words were hurtful.
  • C.Her words were kind.
7."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 covered the whole town.
  • C.The fog was thin and patchy.
8."Sam has a heart of gold." What does the metaphor mean?
  • A.Sam is rich.
  • B.Sam is very kind.
  • C.Sam's heart is made of metal.

LessonPrint · L.5.5 · Set 15 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Figurative Language and Idiom

Set 15. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.The backpack felt very heavy.
  2. 2.We will have to accept what happens because of it.
  3. 3.The wind made a long, loud, eerie sound.
  4. 4.The lecture was very dull.
  5. 5.The last minutes were full of ups and downs.
  6. 6.Her words were hurtful.
  7. 7.The fog covered the whole town.
  8. 8.Sam is very kind.

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.