Match the Saying to Its Meaning is a free printable Grade 5 English worksheet on joining an idiom or adage to what it means, aligned to Common Core standard L.5.5. It prints 3 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.
Set 1 has all 25 in a single PDF. All 25 sets ask different questions.
Match the Saying to Its Meaning
L.5.5
NameDate
Write the letter of the meaning next to each one.
1.Write the letter of the meaning next to each saying.
bite off more than you can chew
hit the nail on the head
break the ice
on thin ice
A.help people relax when they first meet
B.say something exactly right
C.take on more than you can manage
D.in a risky position
2.Write the letter of the meaning next to each saying.
call it a day
Easy come, easy go.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Curiosity killed the cat.
A.People forget what they no longer see.
B.Being too nosy can get you into trouble.
C.What is gained without effort is easily lost.
D.stop working for now
3.Write the letter of the meaning next to each saying.
the ball is in your court
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
once in a blue moon
The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
A.You miss people more when they are away.
B.The one who complains loudest gets attention.
C.very rarely
D.it is your turn to decide or act
LessonPrint · L.5.5 · Set 9 · free to copy for classroom use
Answer key — Match the Saying to Its Meaning
Set 9. Prints on its own sheet.
1.1. bite off more than you can chew — C (take on more than you can manage) 2. hit the nail on the head — B (say something exactly right) 3. break the ice — A (help people relax when they first meet) 4. on thin ice — D (in a risky position)
2.1. call it a day — D (stop working for now) 2. Easy come, easy go. — C (What is gained without effort is easily lost.) 3. Out of sight, out of mind. — A (People forget what they no longer see.) 4. Curiosity killed the cat. — B (Being too nosy can get you into trouble.)
3.1. the ball is in your court — D (it is your turn to decide or act) 2. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. — A (You miss people more when they are away.) 3. once in a blue moon — C (very rarely) 4. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. — B (The one who complains loudest gets attention.)
Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to L.5.5 of the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.