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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 24 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."On market day the town was a beehive." What does the metaphor suggest?
  • A.The town was busy and full of people.
  • B.The town was empty.
  • C.Bees lived in the town.
2."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.
3."When Mia saw her score, she was over the moon." What does the idiom mean?
  • A.Mia jumped very high.
  • B.Mia was disappointed.
  • C.Mia was delighted.
4."The news spread like wildfire through the school." What does the simile mean?
  • A.Nobody heard the news.
  • B.The news spread very quickly.
  • C.The school was on fire.
5."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 play an instrument.
  • C.We will have to listen to a song.
6."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.
7."Sam has a heart of gold." What does the metaphor mean?
  • A.Sam is very kind.
  • B.Sam's heart is made of metal.
  • C.Sam is rich.
8."Ana hit the books all weekend before the test." What does the idiom mean?
  • A.Ana punched her books.
  • B.Ana studied hard.
  • C.Ana threw her books away.

LessonPrint · L.5.5 · Set 24 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Figurative Language and Idiom

Set 24. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.The town was busy and full of people.
  2. 2.The lecture was very dull.
  3. 3.Mia was delighted.
  4. 4.The news spread very quickly.
  5. 5.We will have to accept what happens because of it.
  6. 6.Do not tell anyone the secret.
  7. 7.Sam is very kind.
  8. 8.Ana studied hard.

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.