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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 9 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 empty.
  • B.The town was busy and full of people.
  • C.Bees lived in the town.
2."The news spread like wildfire through the school." What does the simile mean?
  • A.Nobody heard the news.
  • B.The school was on fire.
  • C.The news spread very quickly.
3."Do not spill the beans about the surprise party." What does the idiom mean?
  • A.Do not cook for the party.
  • B.Do not drop the beans.
  • C.Do not tell anyone the secret.
4."Ana hit the books all weekend before the test." What does the idiom mean?
  • A.Ana punched her books.
  • B.Ana threw her books away.
  • C.Ana studied hard.
5."Dev tried to keep his cool when the projector broke." What does the idiom mean?
  • A.Dev tried to stay calm.
  • B.Dev tried to stay cold.
  • C.Dev got angry.
6."The fog was a thick blanket over the town." What does the metaphor suggest?
  • A.Somebody put a blanket on the town.
  • B.The fog was thin and patchy.
  • C.The fog covered the whole town.
7."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.
8."Sam has a heart of gold." What does the metaphor mean?
  • A.Sam is very kind.
  • B.Sam is rich.
  • C.Sam's heart is made of metal.

LessonPrint · L.5.5 · Set 9 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Figurative Language and Idiom

Set 9. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.The town was busy and full of people.
  2. 2.The news spread very quickly.
  3. 3.Do not tell anyone the secret.
  4. 4.Ana studied hard.
  5. 5.Dev tried to stay calm.
  6. 6.The fog covered the whole town.
  7. 7.Her words were hurtful.
  8. 8.Sam is very kind.

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.