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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 22 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 felt very heavy.
  • B.Leo was on a boat.
  • C.The backpack was empty.
2."The fog was a thick blanket over the town." What does the metaphor suggest?
  • A.The fog was thin and patchy.
  • B.Somebody put a blanket on the town.
  • C.The fog covered the whole town.
3."The last five minutes of the game were a roller coaster." What does the metaphor suggest?
  • A.Nothing exciting happened.
  • B.The last minutes were full of ups and downs.
  • C.The game was played at a fair.
4."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.
5."Do not spill the beans about the surprise party." What does the idiom mean?
  • A.Do not drop the beans.
  • B.Do not cook for the party.
  • C.Do not tell anyone the secret.
6."We will have to face the music when Dad sees the broken window." What does the idiom mean?
  • A.We will have to play an instrument.
  • B.We will have to listen to a song.
  • C.We will have to accept what happens because of it.
7."On market day the town was a beehive." What does the metaphor suggest?
  • A.Bees lived in the town.
  • B.The town was busy and full of people.
  • C.The town was empty.
8."The news spread like wildfire through the school." What does the simile mean?
  • A.The news spread very quickly.
  • B.Nobody heard the news.
  • C.The school was on fire.

LessonPrint · L.5.5 · Set 22 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Figurative Language and Idiom

Set 22. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.The backpack felt very heavy.
  2. 2.The fog covered the whole town.
  3. 3.The last minutes were full of ups and downs.
  4. 4.Her words were hurtful.
  5. 5.Do not tell anyone the secret.
  6. 6.We will have to accept what happens because of it.
  7. 7.The town was busy and full of people.
  8. 8.The news spread very quickly.

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.