MAP 4th Grade Reading › Recognize and Explain the Meaning of Common Idioms, Adages, and Proverbs: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.5.B
I asked my mom what we were going to have for dinner, she said we’d cross that bridge once we come to it.
What is the meaning of “cross that bridge once we come to it”?
Deal with it when it happens, not before
To walk over a body of water
To walk on an elevated structure
To worry about something
The phrase “cross that bridge once we come to it” is an adage. An adage also means something different from what it says. Adages are old sayings that give advice or describe the way things are. “Cross that bridge once we come to it” means to deal with something when it happens, but not before.
He has fallen head over heels for her.
What is the meaning of “head over heels”?
To be in love
To trip and fall
To stumble
To trip over one’s own feet
The phrase “head over heels” is an idiom. An idiom is a phrase that means something different than what the words in the phrase mean on their own. The phrase “head over heels” means to be in love.
Don’t beat around the bush, just tell me how you are feeling.
What is the meaning of “beat around the bush”?
To avoid talking about something unpleasant
To walk around a bush
To beat a bush
To fall into a bush
The phrase “beat around the bush” is an idiom. An idiom is a phrase that means something different than what the words in the phrase mean on their own. The phrase “beat around the bush” means to avoid talking about something unpleasant.
The answer to the teacher’s question was on the tip of his tongue, but Jason was unable to answer when he was called on.
What is the meaning of the “tip of the tongue”?
When you can’t recall something, but you think you know it.
When you have a bad taste in your mouth.
When you have something on the tip of your tongue.
When you answer a question incorrectly.
The phrase “tip of the tongue” is an idiom. An idiom is a phrase that means something different than what the words in the phrase mean on their own. “Tip of the tongue” means you can’t recall something, but you think you do know it.
Gretta wasn’t feeling well, so she asked her friend if she could take a rain check on a playdate.
What is the meaning of “take a rain check”?
To be unable to accept an invitation now, but that you'd like to do the same activity sometime in the future
To accept a form of payment
To accept a form of payment, even if it is wet
To take a wet check
The phrase “take a rain check” is an idiom. An idiom is a phrase that means something different than what the words in the phrase mean on their own. “Take a rain check” means to be unable to accept an invitation now, but that you'd like to do the same activity sometime in the future.
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
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".
Gabe hurt Jenn’s feelings with his mean comment. The comment was below the belt.
What is the meaning of “below the belt”?
Unfair and overly mean
The seat of someone’s pants
The waist of someone
Pants held up by a belt
The phrase “below the belt” is an idiom. An idiom is a phrase that means something different than what the words in the phrase mean on their own. “Below the belt” means unfair and overly mean.
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
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.
You’re working too hard. Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses.
What is the meaning of “stop and smell the roses”?
Take time to enjoy life
Smell flowers
Don’t pass a rose bush without smelling a rose
Keep lots of flowers around you
The phrase “stop and smell the roses” is an adage. An adage also means something different from what it says. Adages are old sayings that give advice or describe the way things are. “Stop and smell the roses” means to take time to enjoy life.
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
An idiom is a phrase that means something different than what the words in the phrase mean on their own. As used,