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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 25 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."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.
2."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.
3."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.
4."Ana hit the books all weekend before the test." What does the idiom mean?
  • A.Ana studied hard.
  • B.Ana punched her books.
  • C.Ana threw her books away.
5."The news spread like wildfire through the school." What does the simile mean?
  • A.The school was on fire.
  • B.Nobody heard the news.
  • C.The news spread very quickly.
6."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.
7."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.
8."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.

LessonPrint · L.5.5 · Set 25 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Figurative Language and Idiom

Set 25. Prints on its own sheet.

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

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.