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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 5 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."When Mia saw her score, she was over the moon." What does the idiom mean?
  • A.Mia was disappointed.
  • B.Mia was delighted.
  • C.Mia jumped very high.
2."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.
3."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.
4."The fog was a thick blanket over the town." What does the metaphor suggest?
  • A.The fog was thin and patchy.
  • B.The fog covered the whole town.
  • C.Somebody put a blanket on the town.
5."Do not spill the beans about the surprise party." What does the idiom mean?
  • A.Do not tell anyone the secret.
  • B.Do not drop the beans.
  • C.Do not cook for the party.
6."Her words cut like a knife." What does the simile mean?
  • A.Her words were kind.
  • B.Her words were hurtful.
  • C.She was holding a knife.
7."The wind howled like a wolf all night." What does the simile suggest?
  • A.The wind made a long, loud, eerie sound.
  • B.The wind was quiet.
  • C.A wolf was outside.
8."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.

LessonPrint · L.5.5 · Set 5 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Figurative Language and Idiom

Set 5. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.Mia was delighted.
  2. 2.We will have to accept what happens because of it.
  3. 3.The last minutes were full of ups and downs.
  4. 4.The fog covered the whole town.
  5. 5.Do not tell anyone the secret.
  6. 6.Her words were hurtful.
  7. 7.The wind made a long, loud, eerie sound.
  8. 8.The town was busy and full of people.

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.