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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 16 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."Her words cut like a knife." What does the simile mean?
  • A.Her words were kind.
  • B.She was holding a knife.
  • C.Her words were hurtful.
2."Dev tried to keep his cool when the projector broke." What does the idiom mean?
  • A.Dev got angry.
  • B.Dev tried to stay cold.
  • C.Dev tried to stay calm.
3."Ana hit the books all weekend before the test." What does the idiom mean?
  • A.Ana threw her books away.
  • B.Ana studied hard.
  • C.Ana punched her books.
4."After the long hike, Leo's backpack was an anchor dragging him down." What does the metaphor suggest?
  • A.The backpack felt very heavy.
  • B.Leo was on a boat.
  • C.The backpack was empty.
5."The last five minutes of the game were a roller coaster." What does the metaphor suggest?
  • A.The last minutes were full of ups and downs.
  • B.Nothing exciting happened.
  • C.The game was played at a fair.
6."Do not spill the beans about the surprise party." What does the idiom mean?
  • A.Do not cook for the party.
  • B.Do not tell anyone the secret.
  • C.Do not drop the beans.
7."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.
8."The lecture was as dry as dust." What does the simile mean?
  • A.The lecture was exciting.
  • B.The lecture was very dull.
  • C.The room was dusty.

LessonPrint · L.5.5 · Set 16 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Figurative Language and Idiom

Set 16. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.Her words were hurtful.
  2. 2.Dev tried to stay calm.
  3. 3.Ana studied hard.
  4. 4.The backpack felt very heavy.
  5. 5.The last minutes were full of ups and downs.
  6. 6.Do not tell anyone the secret.
  7. 7.The town was busy and full of people.
  8. 8.The lecture was very dull.

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.