Recognize and Explain the Meaning of Common Idioms, Adages, and Proverbs: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.5.B

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MAP 5th Grade Reading › Recognize and Explain the Meaning of Common Idioms, Adages, and Proverbs: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.5.B

Questions 1 - 10
1

The phrase “the early bird catches the worm” is an example of a __________.

Adage

Proverb

Idiom

Explanation

An idiom is a phrase that means something different than what the words in the phrase mean on their own. A proverb is a short pithy saying in general use, stating a general truth or piece of advice. Adages merely state an accepted truth. “The early bird catches the worm” is stating an accepted truth, thus it is an adage.

2

Select the best meaning for the proverb "All that glitters is not gold".

Just because something looks good, does not necessarily mean that it is good

Not just gold has glitter or sparkle

Gold doesn’t just glitter, it sparkles

Just because something is gold, does not mean it’s going to glitter

Explanation

In order to answer this question, it’s important to note that a proverb is a short pithy saying in general use, stating a general truth or piece of advice. So the correct answer is going to be a piece of advice. This makes the correct answer, “Just because something looks good, does not necessarily mean that it is good.” because that is the only answer choice that offers advice.

3

It's raining cats and dogs outside.

As used in the sentence above, what does the underlined phrase mean?

Cats and dogs are falling from the sky

It's pouring down rain

It's a light rain

Cats and dogs are running around outside

Explanation

An idiom is a phrase that means something different than what the words in the phrase mean on their own. As used, raining cats and dogs means "it's pouring down rain".

4

I'm feeling under the weather today.

As used in the sentence above, what does the underlined phrase mean?

Feeling warmer than the temperature outside

Feeling colder than the temperature outside

Feeling sick or unwell

Feeling tired or warn down

Explanation

An idiom is a phrase that means something different than what the words in the phrase mean on their own. As used, "under the weather" means to be feeling sick or unwell.

5

The new player is a diamond in the rough. We had no idea he was going to be this good!

As used in the sentence above, what does the underlined phrase mean?

Someone or something whose good qualities are hidden

Someone who people take a shining, or liking, too

Someone who is rough around the edges

Someone who plays really rough

Explanation

The phrase “a diamond in the rough” means someone or something whose good qualities are hidden.

6

Let’s turn the tables on this game and put in all of our best players.

As used in the sentence above, what does the underlined phrase mean?

To reverse a situation

To move heavy furniture

To sit in a different position

To flip furniture over

Explanation

The phrase “turn the tables” means to reverse one's position relative to someone else, especially by turning a position of disadvantage into one of advantage.

7

The phrase “'Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all” is an example of a __________.

Proverb

Adage

Idiom

Explanation

An idiom is a phrase that means something different than what the words in the phrase mean on their own. A proverb is a short pithy saying in general use, stating a general truth or piece of advice. Adages merely state an accepted truth. “'Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all” is giving a piece of advice, thus it’s a proverb.

8

The phrase “well done is better than well said” is an example of a _________.

Adage

Proverb

Idiom

Explanation

An idiom is a phrase that means something different than what the words in the phrase mean on their own. A proverb is a short pithy saying in general use, stating a general truth or piece of advice. Adages merely state an accepted truth. “Well done is better than well said” is stating an accepted truth, thus it is an adage.

9

The phrase “a penny saved is a penny earned” is an example of a(n) __________.

Adage

Proverb

Idiom

Explanation

An idiom is a phrase that means something different than what the words in the phrase mean on their own. A proverb is a short pithy saying in general use, stating a general truth or piece of advice. Adages merely state an accepted truth. “A penny saved is a penny earned” is stating an accepted truth, thus it is an adage.

10

Hannah's dad had to pull strings to get her onto the team.

As used in the sentence above, what does the underlined phrase mean?

to tie something tightly

to tie something

to ask for a favor to get something done

to remember to do something

Explanation

An idiom is a phrase that means something different than what the words in the phrase mean on their own. As used,

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