Upload
phungnga
View
245
Download
5
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
© David Newmonic Language Resources
An Oral Language Program that Teaches IdiomsIdiomsIdiomsIdioms and Explains How they Work
David NewmanDavid NewmanDavid NewmanDavid Newman Speech-Language Pathologist
Idioms Language Program
2
© David Newmonic Language Resources
A Friendly Reminder
© David Newmonic Language Resources 2009 - 2010
This book and all its contents are intellectual property.
All illustrations by David Newman
No part of this publication may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or reproduced in any way, including but not
limited to digital copying and printing without the prior agreement and written permission of the author.
© David Newmonic Language Resources
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................................................................................4
Notes on each Scenario..................................................................................................................................................................................5
Instructions to Students...............................................................................................................................................................................6
Glossary of Terms............................................................................................................................................................................................9
Cloud NineCloud NineCloud NineCloud Nine scenarios – Clothes...............................................................................................................................................................10
Cloud NineCloud NineCloud NineCloud Nine scenarios – Animals...............................................................................................................................................................14
Cloud NineCloud NineCloud NineCloud Nine scenarios – Colours................................................................................................................................................................18
Cloud NineCloud NineCloud NineCloud Nine scenarios – Money.................................................................................................................................................................22
Cloud NineCloud NineCloud NineCloud Nine scenarios – Medical..............................................................................................................................................................26
Idioms Language Program
4
© David Newmonic Language Resources
Introduction
This particular idiom program was created because of
my initial frustration in attempting to teach the
difficult concept of idioms to language impaired
students.
I have found idioms to be a difficult concept to teach
successfully. Understanding requires a leap of
imagination on the student’s part. The role of the
clinician or teacher is to provide the scaffolding
necessary for the student to make that leap, and truly
‘get’ the meaning of idioms.
Through trial and error I’ve discovered that context is
a highly useful means of teaching the concept of
idioms. In each individual scenario a common idiom
is uttered by a character in a highly contextual
situation; situations that your students should be
familiar with and have some experience with.
If we look at the following example we can see that
Mary describes the narrator’s new friend as a wolf in
sheep’s clothing, and adds that ‘you need to be
careful of Marty.’ We can assume that Marty is
someone the narrator’s sister doesn’t trust much. The
inference is that perhaps Marty is an untrustworthy
character.
A Wolf in Sheep’s CA Wolf in Sheep’s CA Wolf in Sheep’s CA Wolf in Sheep’s Clothinglothinglothinglothing SettSettSettSetting:ing:ing:ing: I liked my new friend Marty, but my sister is not sure about him. She said, ‘You need to be careful of Marty. He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.’ A wolf in sheep’s clothing means...
a) A wolf that likes to dress in sheepskins
b) A person that likes to dress well, but is harmless c) A person who pretends to be good, but is actually really bad
Idioms - Animals
Idioms Language Program
5
© David Newmonic Language Resources
Notes on Each Scenario
The correct answer for each scenario is presented as
underlined and highlighted in a multiple choice
format. Selecting the correct answer from multiple
choice provides a little extra scaffolding for students
who may struggle with the concept of idioms.
It is your discretion as a teacher or clinician as to how
much scaffolding your students need to be provided.
Each student will vary in their ability to learn and to
be comfortable with idioms.
I recommend that students with language disorder
receive the most amount of scaffolding. They need the
extra scaffolding to better create links between literal
information and the more metaphorical imagery found
in idioms.
Idioms are an example of figurative language.
Figurative language is a higher level language ability.
With figurative language students are required to go
beyond literal language and concrete images to
explore new layers of meaning.
There are 100 individual scenarios separated into five
different categories of 20 scenarios each: clothes,
animals, colours, money, and medical.
The cards can be cut out and laminated
and used together with a board game for
individual and group use, or as a whole
class activity.
Idioms Language Program
6
© David Newmonic Language Resources
Instructions to Students
Please feel free to use the following
description as a prepreprepreparatory setparatory setparatory setparatory set to
aide your students’ understanding of
idioms. The following is an example of
instructions I use when introducing the
concept of idioms. Repeat the
instructions as many times as is
needed.
‘Figurative language enables us to explore
language in new and interesting ways. Figurative
language is a form of language that uses concrete,
literal images as a base.
The concrete image is combined with a startling
and seemingly unrelated image to create
something new.
Idioms are a very interesting form of figurative
language. They provide us with a new way of
looking at the world.
An idiom is a cultural metaphor that requires
some understanding of word and world knowledge.
That is, idioms are sayings that have been used
for generations and have become part of the
cultural vernacular.
Idioms Language Program
7
© David Newmonic Language Resources
Idioms do require some knowledge about words
and how they go together.
An example of a popular idiom is, ‘a wolf in sheep’s
clothing.’ If we look closely at the idiom from a
literal point of view we have two quite separate
and contrasting images.
First, there is the image of the wolf. Historically
the wolf is viewed as a predator. We have learnt
from stories such as the three little pigs that a
wolf is a dangerous creature that cannot be
trusted.
Second, we have the image of the sheep. A sheep
is an animal that is viewed as docile, harmless and
gentle.
Finally, when we combine the image of the wolf
with the image of the sheep we have the strange
picture of a wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing.
Now, the two separate images of the wolf and
sheep don’t normally ‘go’ together. But the beauty
of idioms is that the two images can actually be
fused to create a whole new meaning.
Idioms Language Program
8
© David Newmonic Language Resources
To successfully combine the two contrasting
images requires a leap of imagination on our
parts. And idioms, with their creative use of
language, are very good at triggering our
imaginations.
So in our example of the wolf, we can picture a
wolf actually dressed in sheep’s clothing. We can
imagine that the clothing is in fact a disguise.
We assume this because we know the wolf’s
nature and that beneath the sheep’s clothing it
remains a dangerous predator.
Why does the wolf dress in sheep’s clothing?
Answer: The wolf is trying to distract us from its
true nature. The wolf hopes to trick us into
thinking it is harmless; that it is just a sheep.
When we use the idiom of a wolf in sheep’s
clothing to describe a person we are essentially
saying that a particular person cannot be trusted,
even though his/her appearance and manner
appears harmless to us.
The idiom of a wolf in sheep’s clothing reminds us
that sometimes we need to look beyond surface
appearances to discover a person’s true nature.’
Idioms Language Program
9
© David Newmonic Language Resources
Glossary of Terms
The following terms have been added for your
convenience. Some of the words and descriptions in
the introductory notes may confuse some students.
Figurative Language: figurative language contains
images that a writer or speaker uses to make unusual
comparisons between items.
Literal language: literal language is words or images
that don’t deviate from their defined meaning.
Cultural Metaphor: images or language that is
particular to a region or cultural group and that has
specific meaning to that group.
Vernacular: the everyday language that is spoken by
a particular people or country that is different from
literary language.
Predator: an organism (animal – insect) that lives by
preying on other organisms.
Fuse: to unite or blend something together, like
melting.
Disguise: to change your appearance or conceal
identity with the intent to mislead.
Idioms Language Program
10
© David Newmonic Language Resources
Below the BBelow the BBelow the BBelow the Beltelteltelt
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I thought it was below the belt when my best friend stole my new footy and didn’t return it, even after I asked for its return.
Below the belt means…
a) To get hit by a ball on the legs
b) When a friend takes something that belongs to
you
c) To do something cowardly or unfair
Idioms: Clothes
Burn a Hole in One’s PBurn a Hole in One’s PBurn a Hole in One’s PBurn a Hole in One’s Pocketocketocketocket
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I was in the biggest toy store in the country - I could feel the money burn a hole in my
pocket. Burn a hole in one’s pocket means…
a) To have a hole in your pants pocket
b) To have money that you’re likely to spend quickly c) To have money that you want to save
Idioms: Clothes
Dressed to KDressed to KDressed to KDressed to Killillillill Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My sister was getting ready to go to
the ball. She was dressed to kill. Dressed to kill means…
a) To wear your best clothes b) To wear clothes like a ninja
c) To wear your baggiest or worst clothes in public
Idioms: Clothes
Feather in One’s CFeather in One’s CFeather in One’s CFeather in One’s Capapapap
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: To be named captain of my footy team was a real feather in my cap.
Feather in one’s cap means…
a) To wear a cap that comes with a bright feather
b) To be given something you didn’t deserve
c) To achieve something to be proud of
Idioms: Clothes
Fine Tooth CFine Tooth CFine Tooth CFine Tooth Combombombomb Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I went over my written story with a fine
tooth comb to make certain there were no spelling mistakes.
Fine tooth comb means…
a) Careful attention to detail to ensure nothing is missed b) A comb used to brush fine hair
c) To look for spelling mistakes
Idioms: Clothes
Fits Like a GFits Like a GFits Like a GFits Like a Glovelovelovelove
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I tried on my new school uniform. It fit like a glove.
Fits like a glove means…
a) An article of clothing that fits perfectly b) An article of clothing that is too tight
c) An article of clothing that is too loose
Idioms: Clothes
Idioms Language Program
11
© David Newmonic Language Resources
Pull up Your SPull up Your SPull up Your SPull up Your Socksocksocksocks
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My teacher was very annoyed when he said to me, ‘It’s time for you to pull up your socks
and start working hard.’ Pull up your socks means…
a) Make a decent and sustained effort on a task b) To warm your cold legs
c) To continue working as before
Idioms: Clothes
In One’s SIn One’s SIn One’s SIn One’s Shoeshoeshoeshoes
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My father said, ‘To truly understand how other people feel you need to walk in their
shoes for a while.’ In one’s shoes means…
a) To walk using someone else’s shoes
b) To be in another person’s place or position c) To be aware of walking in your own shoes
Idioms: Clothes
On a SOn a SOn a SOn a Shoestringhoestringhoestringhoestring
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My parents traveled throughout
Vietnam and Thailand on a shoestring, and had a great time.
On a shoestring means…
a) Tying your wallet to your belt with string
b) Surviving well on a very small amount of money c) To have large amounts of money and spend it all
Idioms: Clothes
Put Your Thinking CPut Your Thinking CPut Your Thinking CPut Your Thinking Cap onap onap onap on Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The ship was caught in a storm at sea. The captain yelled above the roaring wind, ’We need to put our thinking caps on if we are to
survive this storm.’ Put your thinking cap on means…
a) To place a special cap on your head that aids
thinking
b) To think long and hard and decisively about something c) To make a hasty decision about something
Idioms: Clothes
The Shoe is onThe Shoe is onThe Shoe is onThe Shoe is on the Other Fthe Other Fthe Other Fthe Other Footootootoot Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My sister teased me when I had to visit the dentist. Now the shoe was on the other foot
– it was her turn to visit the dentist. The shoe is on the other foot means…
a) It’s the sister’s turn to visit the dentist
b) The sister was wearing the wrong shoes
c) Places and roles are reversed
Idioms: Clothes
Tighten Your BTighten Your BTighten Your BTighten Your Beltelteltelt
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My mother said, ‘Your father has had his hours at work cut back. That means we all
have to tighten our belts.’ Tighten your belt means…
a) To lose weight
b) To spend money without care c) To live on less money than usual
Idioms: Clothes
Idioms Language Program
12
© David Newmonic Language Resources
Wear the Pants in One’s FWear the Pants in One’s FWear the Pants in One’s FWear the Pants in One’s Familyamilyamilyamily
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My friend’s mother wears the pants in her family. She is always telling her husband
what to do. Wear the pants in one’s family means…
a) To wear pants rather than dresses b) To be in charge and the leader of the family c) To take orders from the stronger partner
Idioms: Clothes
Too Big for Your BToo Big for Your BToo Big for Your BToo Big for Your Bootsootsootsoots Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My friend’s team won the grand final. My friend told everybody what a great player he was. My father said, ‘That lad’s become too big
for his boots.’
Too big for your boots means…
a) Your feet have grown too large for your boots
b) To be ‘swollen’ with conceit c) To have played well and been a great player for
your team Idioms: Clothes
HanHanHanHandle with Kid Gdle with Kid Gdle with Kid Gdle with Kid Glovesloveslovesloves Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My sister is very sensitive about her new braces. It’s important to handle her with kid
gloves about her braces. Handle with kid gloves means…
a) To be deliberately rude to somebody
b) To wear special gloves when talking about
sensitive issues
c) To treat somebody with special gentleness
Idioms: Clothes
Hand Me DHand Me DHand Me DHand Me Downownownown
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I really hate it when my mother gives me my brothers hand me down clothes. I want new
clothes. Hand me down means…
a) Clothes that are too big for you
b) Clothes that are too ugly to wear
c) Things that are given away after the owner doesn’t need it
Idioms: Clothes
Ants in One’s PAnts in One’s PAnts in One’s PAnts in One’s Pantsantsantsants Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The little boy ran around the room
yelling loudly. The kinder teacher told him to sit down. She said, ‘You have ants in your pants.’ Ants in ones pants means…
a) To have ants crawling in your pants
b) To enjoy running and yelling
c) To be very restless and have lots of nervous energy
Idioms: Clothes
Burn a Hole in One’s PBurn a Hole in One’s PBurn a Hole in One’s PBurn a Hole in One’s Pocketocketocketocket
SettinSettinSettinSetting:g:g:g: My money was burning a hole in my pocket. I couldn’t wait to get to the milk bar and
buy some candy. Burn a hole in one’s pocket means…
a) Money that is likely to be spent quickly b) Coins that can cause holes in jeans pockets
c) Money that is spent on buying candy
Idioms: Clothes
Idioms Language Program
13
© David Newmonic Language Resources
Burst at the SBurst at the SBurst at the SBurst at the Seamseamseamseams Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I got on the school bus and tried to find a seat, but the bus was bursting at the seams
and I couldn’t find one.
Burst at the seams means…
a) The stitching on a pair of jeans seam becomes
undone
b) The tyres on a bus burst c) Something is far too full or is overcrowded
Idioms: Clothes
Decked ODecked ODecked ODecked Outututut Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My older brother was all decked out in his new tuxedo, and was ready for the debutante
ball. Decked out means…
a) To wear your clothes inside out b) To be dressed in your best clothes c) To be dressed in your worst clothes
Idioms: Clothes
Idioms Language Program
14
© David Newmonic Language Resources
To Throw Someone to the WTo Throw Someone to the WTo Throw Someone to the WTo Throw Someone to the Wolvesolvesolvesolves Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The coach played a first game player, on the opposition’s champion. His assistant
said, ‘You’re throwing that player to the wolves.’
To throw someone to the wolves means...
a) To send someone into danger without protection. To sacrifice a person. b) To feed hungry wolves
c) To protect someone using wolves
Idioms - Animals
A Wolf in Sheep’s CA Wolf in Sheep’s CA Wolf in Sheep’s CA Wolf in Sheep’s Clothinglothinglothinglothing SettinSettinSettinSetting:g:g:g: I liked my new friend Marty, but my sister is not sure about him. She said, ‘You need to be careful of Marty. He’s a wolf in
sheep’s clothing.’ A wolf in sheep’s clothing means...
a) A wolf that likes to dress in sheepskins
b) A person that likes to dress well, but is harmless c) A person who pretends to be good, but is actually really bad
Idioms - Animals
As Quiet as a MAs Quiet as a MAs Quiet as a MAs Quiet as a Mouseouseouseouse Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I wanted to say hello to the new girl in class, because she seemed a bit lost and was as
quiet as a mouse. As quiet as a mouse means…
a) Very quiet and shy b) Very loud and boisterous
c) To be very quick, like a mouse
Idioms - Animals
As Sick as a DAs Sick as a DAs Sick as a DAs Sick as a Dogogogog
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I had far too much to eat at the Christmas party and felt as sick as a dog the
next day.
As sick as a dog means…
a) To be very sick b) To feel a little poorly
c) To bark like a dog
Idioms - Animals
As Stubborn as a MAs Stubborn as a MAs Stubborn as a MAs Stubborn as a Muleuleuleule Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My friend refused to go on the
camping trip because he didn’t want to sleep outdoors. I couldn’t change his mind because
he’s as stubborn as a mule. As stubborn as a mule means…
a) To kick like a mule
b) To not want to do things c) To be immovable and inflexible on an issue
Idioms - Animals
OneOneOneOne’’’’s Bark is Ws Bark is Ws Bark is Ws Bark is Worse than oneorse than oneorse than oneorse than one’’’’s Bs Bs Bs Biteiteiteite Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My new teacher scolded me for not doing the math problem. My friend whispered, ‘Don’t worry about him, he’s a good guy. His
bark is worse than his bite.’ Ones bark is worse than ones bite means…
a) Someone words are worse than their actions b) Someone who likes to bite people
c) Someone whose actions are worse than the things
they say Idioms - Animals
Idioms Language Program
15
© David Newmonic Language Resources
The Black Sheep of the FThe Black Sheep of the FThe Black Sheep of the FThe Black Sheep of the Familyamilyamilyamily Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My older brother is the black sheep of the family. He’s always getting into trouble and
nobody can trust him. The black sheep of the family means…
a) Someone who likes to herd black sheep
b) The most disliked or troublesome member of a family c) The member of a family who stands out the most
Idioms - Animals
A Bull in a China SA Bull in a China SA Bull in a China SA Bull in a China Shophophophop Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My mum told me, ‘I’m not letting you go to your sister’s pyjama party. It would be like
letting a bull into a china shop.’ A bull in a china shop means…
a) Someone who likes to smash delicate china plates
and cups
b) Leading a bull through a china shop
c) A tactless person who upsets others or their plans
Idioms - Animals
Cat got yoCat got yoCat got yoCat got your Tur Tur Tur Tongue?ongue?ongue?ongue? Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I was very nervous and couldn’t
respond when my friend’s father said hello to me. He said, ‘What’s wrong, cat got your tongue?’’ Cat got your tongue means…
a) A cat that likes to steal tongues
b) To not be able to move ones tongue c) Cannot speak because of shyness
Idioms - Animals
Cat on a Hot Tin RCat on a Hot Tin RCat on a Hot Tin RCat on a Hot Tin Roofoofoofoof Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I couldn’t keep my little brother quiet. He was leaping from couch to couch in the lounge room like a cat on a hot tin roof.
Cat on a hot tin roof means…
a) To prowl like a cat b) To be full of energy and very lively c) To be not very energetic
Idioms - Animals
A CA CA CA Copycatopycatopycatopycat Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I looked over at my friend’s work and he had copied exactly what I had done. I thought to
myself, you copycat. A copycat means…
a) To make an exact copy of something using a
photocopier b) Someone who copies another’s work c) Someone who creates an original essay or drawing
Idioms - Animals
Curiosity Killed the CCuriosity Killed the CCuriosity Killed the CCuriosity Killed the Catatatat Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My big sister packed away her new shoes. She said to me, ‘Don’t open that shoe
box. Remember, curiosity killed the cat.’
Curiosity killed the cat means…
a) To be curious about the contents of an unopened
box
b) To own a cat that is very curious c) To be so inquisitive that you get into trouble
Idioms - Animals
Idioms Language Program
16
© David Newmonic Language Resources
Every DEvery DEvery DEvery Doooog has his Dg has his Dg has his Dg has his Dayayayay Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I didn’t make it onto the basketball team. My coach said, ‘Don’t worry, keep
practicing and you’ll make the team. ‘Every dog has his day.’
Every dog has his day means…
a) To own a dog that likes to sleep during the day b) Every person gets their deserved turn or chance c) To be unlucky
Idioms - Animals
Fight like Cats and DFight like Cats and DFight like Cats and DFight like Cats and Dogsogsogsogs Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My brother and I always argue over the T.V. We started to fight. Our mum said with a frown, ‘You two always fight like cats and dogs.’ Fight like cats and dogs means…
a) To argue and fight with someone you know well b) To watch cats and dogs fighting
c) To hiss like a cat or growl like a dog when
fighting Idioms - Animals
Look Like Something the Cat DLook Like Something the Cat DLook Like Something the Cat DLook Like Something the Cat Dragged inragged inragged inragged in Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I came home from the footy after having played in the mud and rain. My mum said, ‘My goodness, you look like something the cat
dragged in.’ Look like something the cat dragged in means…
a) To look a little untidy
b) To look all muddy and wet c) To look tired, worn out, and very dirty
Idioms - Animals
Make a Mountain out of a MMake a Mountain out of a MMake a Mountain out of a MMake a Mountain out of a Molehillolehillolehillolehill Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I was embarrassed when I spilt a drink on my friend’s new carpet. My friend was kind
and said, ‘Don’t worry; you’re making a mountain out of a molehill.’
MakeMakeMakeMake a mountain out of a molehill means…
a) To make a little problem into a big problem
b)To make something that is unimportant seem important c) To get upset over a spilt drink
Idioms - Animals
ThThThThe Straw that Broke the Camel’s Be Straw that Broke the Camel’s Be Straw that Broke the Camel’s Be Straw that Broke the Camel’s Backackackack Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My sister kept losing things at school. Mum was angry after she lost her school bag. She said, ‘That’s the straw that broke the
camel’s back.’ The straw that broke the camel’s back means…
a) A small final setback that has built up to cause a collapse or a bigger problem b) A camel that can’t carry any more on its back
c) A small problem that will not cause too much
difficulty Idioms - Animals
Take the Bull by the HTake the Bull by the HTake the Bull by the HTake the Bull by the Hornsornsornsorns Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The coach was passionate as he instructed his team. He said,’ I know the
opposition is the top team; but take the bull by the horns and beat them at their own game.’
Take the bull by the horns means…
a) To wrestle a bull to the ground with brute
strength
b) To beat somebody at their own game c) To take decisive and direct action
Idioms - Animals
Idioms Language Program
17
© David Newmonic Language Resources
As As As As Weak as a KWeak as a KWeak as a KWeak as a Kittenittenittenitten Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My best friend has had the flu and
been away from school for two weeks. When he came to school today he looked as weak as a
kitten. As weak as a kitten means…
a) To feel as fast and as agile as a cat b) To feel sickly and fragile c) To feel a little ill
Idioms - Animals
Bright Eyed and Bushy TBright Eyed and Bushy TBright Eyed and Bushy TBright Eyed and Bushy Tailedailedailedailed Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I got up this morning and the sky was clear and the sun was shining. I felt bright eyed
and bushy tailed. Bright eyed and bushy tailed means…
a) To climb a tree like a possum
b) To be very cheerful and excited c) To feel flat and not energetic
Idioms - Animals
Idioms Language Program
18
© David Newmonic Language Resources
Black and WBlack and WBlack and WBlack and Whitehitehitehite
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The manager tends to view issues in terms of being black and white. He is inflexible
and can’t be shifted on his views.
Black and white means…
a) Thinking that all things are either totally good or utterly bad b) To be flexible and open-minded about issues
c) To be colour blind
Idioms: Colours
Blue in the FBlue in the FBlue in the FBlue in the Faceaceaceace
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I argued with my sister until I was blue in the face, but couldn’t get her to change the
T.V. channel.
Blue in the face means…
a) Someone’s face turns blue from shouting
b) To be upset and emotional about an issue c) To not be able to breathe properly
Idioms: Colours
Catch Someone RedCatch Someone RedCatch Someone RedCatch Someone Red----HHHHandedandedandedanded
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The villain was in the process of stealing the money when the policeman caught
him red-handed. Catch someone red-handed means…
a) To catch someone when they’re doing something wrong b) To catch someone with red paint on their hands
c) To catch someone who steals a lot
Idioms: Colours
Give Someone the Green LGive Someone the Green LGive Someone the Green LGive Someone the Green Lightightightight Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The pool looked very inviting and our class wanted to jump in, but we had to wait for our teacher’s permission. Finally, we were given
the green light.
Give someone the green light means…
a) To go through the traffic lights
b) Permission to begin something c) To stop and wait for permission
Idioms: Colours
Grass is Always GGrass is Always GGrass is Always GGrass is Always Greenerreenerreenerreener Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I realized that the grass isn’t always
greener on the other side. My new school is not as good as my old school.
Grass is always greener on the other side
means…
a) The grass in the next paddock gets more water
b) A place or situation that is far away is better than where we are now c) Where we are now is better than the next place
Idioms: Colours
Green with EGreen with EGreen with EGreen with Envynvynvynvy Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I was green with envy when my friend won the lead role in the play, whereas I was only
one of the extras. To be green with envy means…
a) To be very jealous and full of envy b) To feel a bit ill and turn a little green
c) To be envious yet happy for a friend’s success
Idioms: Colours
Idioms Language Program
19
© David Newmonic Language Resources
Look at the World Through Rose Look at the World Through Rose Look at the World Through Rose Look at the World Through Rose Coloured GColoured GColoured GColoured Glasseslasseslasseslasses
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My mother views the world through rose coloured glasses and sees only the good in
situations. Look at the world through rose coloured glasses
means…
a) To wear a pair of rose glasses that distorts vision
b) To be too optimistic about something; to only see the bright side c) To view world events in a negative way
Idioms: Colours
Once in a Blue MOnce in a Blue MOnce in a Blue MOnce in a Blue Moonoonoonoon
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My parents are very health conscious, so we only get to have fish & chips once in a blue
moon. Once in a blue moon means…
a) To happen only rarely b) To only buy fish & chips when it’s a full moon
c) To only buy fish & chips once a year
Idioms: Colours
Paint the Town RPaint the Town RPaint the Town RPaint the Town Redededed
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My parents were in a good mood. Dad said, as they were leaving, ‘Tonight, your mother
and I are going out to paint the town red.’ Paint the town red means…
a) To go out and have a great time b) To go out with pots of paint and paint buildings
red
c) To live in a town that has red buildings Idioms: Colours
Roll Out the Red CRoll Out the Red CRoll Out the Red CRoll Out the Red Carpetarpetarpetarpet
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: When the president visited our city, the mayor rolled out the red carpet for him.
To roll out the red carpet means...
a) To put in a new carpet in a house b) To welcome and show respect to a visiting person c) To treat a visiting person with disrespect
Idioms: Colours
Show Show Show Show one’sone’sone’sone’s True CTrue CTrue CTrue Coloursoloursoloursolours
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I always felt that my boss didn’t like me, but he was always nice to me. His true colours
were revealed when he fired me. To show one’s true colours means...
a) To reveal the colour of your skin and eyes
b) When an individual displays the type of person they really are c) To wear matching coloured clothes
Idioms: Colours
White EWhite EWhite EWhite Elephantlephantlephantlephant Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: Federation square is controversial. Some developers believe the square to be a great venue and meeting place, whereas others
describe it as a white elephant. White elephant means...
a) A useless place or problematic situation b) A building or venue that has great potential
c) A rare albino elephant
Idioms: Colours
Idioms Language Program
20
© David Newmonic Language Resources
To Pass with Flying CTo Pass with Flying CTo Pass with Flying CTo Pass with Flying Coloursoloursoloursolours
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I nervously looked at my exam results and was relieved to learn that I had passed with
flying colours. To pass with flying colours means…
a) To make a bare pass, or just pass
b) To pass with great success c) To pass a course in flying coloured kites
Idioms: Colours
Tickled PTickled PTickled PTickled Pinkinkinkink
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I sent flowers to my best friend on her birthday. She was tickled pink that I had
remembered her birthday.
To be pickled pink means...
a) To be very pleased and delighted b) To be annoyed or very cross
c) To be tickled so hard your skin turns pink
Idioms: Colours
White LWhite LWhite LWhite Lieieieie Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I really wanted to see a new rock band that night, so I told my friend a white lie. I said, ‘I can’t come to your birthday party because I feel
a bit sick.’ White lie means…
a) To tell a huge lie b) To tell a harmless lie to avoid hurting someone’s feelings c) To tell a lie in order to trick someone
Idioms: Colours
To See RTo See RTo See RTo See Redededed
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I began to see red when I learnt that I had been misled by the car salesman, and bought
a terrible car.
To see red means…
a) To wear red tinted sunglasses
b) To become very angry or annoyed c) To become aware of something
Idioms: Colours
Red TRed TRed TRed Tapeapeapeape
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: It could be argued that state and national water wastage is a problem because of
red tape in government departments.
Red tape means…
a) Having to overcome time consuming paperwork to complete a goal b) Red tape used to seal office doors
c) Difficulty in deciding on a course of action Idioms: Colours
Out of the BOut of the BOut of the BOut of the Bluelueluelue
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: Out of the blue our math teacher resigned and decided that he wanted to live and
work in India. Out of the blue means…
a) A complete surprise. No warning b) To come to a decision
c) An object that appears from out of a clear blue
sky Idioms: Colours
Idioms Language Program
21
© David Newmonic Language Resources
In the RIn the RIn the RIn the Redededed Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The businessman said to his staff, ‘I’m afraid I’m going to have to let some of you go, because our business is too much in the red.’
In the red means…
a) To use red ink in your pen instead of blue or
black
b) To have too many staff in a company
c) To lose money and to be unprofitable
Idioms: Colours
Pot Calling the Kettle BPot Calling the Kettle BPot Calling the Kettle BPot Calling the Kettle Blacklacklacklack Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My friend criticized me for wearing dirty shoes, which is the pot calling the kettle black, because his shoes are dirtier than mine.
Pot calling the kettle black means…
a) To have dirty pots on the stove b) The person who criticizes is as guilty as those he accuses c) To be fair and reasonable with criticism
Idioms: Colours
Idioms Language Program
22
© David Newmonic Language Resources
Bet OBet OBet OBet One’s Bottom ne’s Bottom ne’s Bottom ne’s Bottom DollarDollarDollarDollar
Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My mother and I were waiting in the car for Dad to come out of the hardware store. Mom said, ‘I’ll bet my bottom dollar that your father won’t be out of that store anytime soon.’ Bet one’s bottom dollar means...
a) The dollar is in the bottom of my pocket
b) My money is at the bottom of the well
c) Bet all one has on something. A certainty. Idioms: Money
Born with a Silver Spoon in OBorn with a Silver Spoon in OBorn with a Silver Spoon in OBorn with a Silver Spoon in Onenenene’’’’s Mouths Mouths Mouths Mouth
Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My friend and I watched as our classmate was driven to school in his father’s
luxury car. My friend turned to me and said ‘that boy was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.’ Born with a silver spoon in ones mouth means...
a) Someone who likes the taste of silver
b) Someone born to wealth and comfort c) Someone who always has a spoon in ones mouth
Idioms: Money
Bottom LineBottom LineBottom LineBottom Line Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My teacher wasn’t happy with me when he said, ‘The bottom line is, if you don’t start working harder on your project, I may have
to fail you.’ Bottom line means...
a) The most important thing b) The line at the bottom
c) The point of no return
Idioms: Money
Dime a DozenDime a DozenDime a DozenDime a Dozen Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: I wanted to buy a yellow budgie. My mum frowned and said ‘Budgies are a dime a dozen. I’d much prefer you bought a canary.’ Dime a dozen means...
a) Something that isn’t worth much
b) Something that is worth as much as a carton of
eggs. c) Easy to get or buy, therefore of little value....
Idioms: Money
Flat BrokeFlat BrokeFlat BrokeFlat Broke Scenario: Scenario: Scenario: Scenario: My friend and I went to the fish &
chip shop for lunch. I bought potato cakes, while my friend bought chips. He turned to me and said ‘I’d love to buy some fish but I’m flat broke.’ Flat broke means...
a) Having no money b) Your have a flat tire and your bike is broken
c) Your wallet has a hole in it
Idioms: Money
For a SongFor a SongFor a SongFor a Song Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My mother was in a good mood. She pointed to an old battered fry pan and said ‘I found this down at the second hand store. I
bought it for a song.’ For a song means... a) To be good at singing songs b) To buy something for a low price, to buy cheaply c) To sing a song for an item, instead of paying
money Idioms: Money
Idioms Language Program
23
© David Newmonic Language Resources
Highway RobberyHighway RobberyHighway RobberyHighway Robbery Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: We went to the car yard to buy a new car. My father looked at the prices and said in an annoyed tone ‘The cars are too expensive
here. It’s highway robbery.’ Highway robbery means...
a) To charge a very high price for something b) To rob somebody on the highway
c) To steal something from somebody
Idioms: Money
Hit the JackboxHit the JackboxHit the JackboxHit the Jackbox Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My big brother found some money he
had lost a year ago. He yelled ‘Whoo Hoo...There must be 40 dollars here. I’ve really
hit the jackbox this time!’ Hit the jackbox means...
a) Hit a jack-in-the-box in the mouth b) Make or find a lot of money suddenly c) Win at the casino
Idioms: Money
On the HouseOn the HouseOn the HouseOn the House Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: The hotel manager was a good friend of my fathers. When our family arrived for dinner the hotel manager said, ‘Tonight, my friend,
dinner for you and your family is on the house.’ On the house means...
a) To sit on the roof of a house
b) To eat dinner on the floor of a house
c) The owner of a place pays for you
Idioms: Money
Strike it RichStrike it RichStrike it RichStrike it Rich Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My uncle burst into the house with a huge smile on his face and said, ‘I struck it rich.’ We learnt later that he had won a lot of money in
the lottery. Strike it rich means...
a) To smile warmly at someone b) Become suddenly wealthy or successful without expecting to. c) To strike the ground with a pickaxe and find gold.
Idioms: Money
Stone BrokeStone BrokeStone BrokeStone Broke Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My friends were going to the cinema to see the new film. They asked if I wanted to come. I replied, ‘I can’t go to the cinema because
I’m stone broke.’ Stone-broke means...
a) To have a pocket full of stones
b) To be as poor as a broken stone c) To have no money
Idioms: Money
Scrape TogetherScrape TogetherScrape TogetherScrape Together Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My friend Paul wanted to buy the new action figure. He said, ‘If we combine our money we’ll be able to scrape together enough
money to buy that toy.’ Scrape together means...
a) To share money with someone b) To gather small amounts of money together to form a small total. c) To gather money together with a friend
Idioms: Money
Idioms Language Program
24
© David Newmonic Language Resources
Red CentRed CentRed CentRed Cent
Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My father shopped for a new lawn mower. He said ‘I wouldn’t give a red cent for
half the mowers I saw today.’
Red cent means...
a) A red cent is a coin that is shiny red
b) The smallest amount of money c) The last coin in your wallet
Idioms: Money
Rake in the MoneyRake in the MoneyRake in the MoneyRake in the Money
Scenario: Scenario: Scenario: Scenario: My parents have been raking in the money with their cleaning business. They have so much money now that our family will be able to
go on a long holiday to Fiji. Rake in the money means...
a) To make a lot of money b) To use a rake to gather up spare money
c) To clean money Idioms: Money
Rain CheckRain CheckRain CheckRain Check
Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: I invited my friend over to watch a DVD. He said, ‘Sorry, I can’t. I’ll have to take a
rain check. I’ll come next time’ Rain check means...
a) To promise to be available for an invitation at a later date b) To check for rain before accepting an invitation
c) To enjoy dancing in the rain
Idioms: Money
Pay TPay TPay TPay Through the Nosehrough the Nosehrough the Nosehrough the Nose
Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: I had to pay through the nose to buy my new jeans. They are the latest style and
certainly not cheap.
Pay through the nose means...
a) To pay for something using the length of your
nose as a measure
b) Pay money for something that is a very high price, almost too much c) To not pay much money for something. A bargain
Idioms: Money
Pass the BuckPass the BuckPass the BuckPass the Buck
Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My mother was angry. She said, ‘I am so tired of being blamed for others mistakes. My
boss keeps passing the buck.’ Pass the buck means...
a) To pass money on to someone who needs it
b) To take responsibility for one’s own actions
c) To put the responsibility of decision making onto someone else
Idioms: Money
On a ShoestringOn a ShoestringOn a ShoestringOn a Shoestring Scenario: Scenario: Scenario: Scenario: I asked my mother if I could go to the cinema with my friends. She shook her head sadly and said, ‘No, I’m afraid we’re living on a
shoestring, so you can’t go.’ On a shoestring means...
a) To sell shoestrings to make money
b) On a very low budget with little money to spend c) On a high budget with lots of spare money
Idioms: Money
Idioms Language Program
25
© David Newmonic Language Resources
Money tMoney tMoney tMoney to Burno Burno Burno Burn
Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My best friend comes from a family where they have money to burn. They’re always
going on expensive holidays. Money to burn means...
a) Money is scarce; so don’t spend it on unnecessary
things
b) Use paper money to light the fire
c) To have lots of money. Money to spare Idioms: Money
As Poor as a Church MouseAs Poor as a Church MouseAs Poor as a Church MouseAs Poor as a Church Mouse
Scenario:Scenario:Scenario:Scenario: My family is as poor as a church mouse. I have holes in my old trainers but can’t
afford new shoes.
As Poor as a Church Mouse means…
a) To be wealthy
b) To need new shoes c) To be very poor
Idioms: Money
Idioms Language Program
26
© David Newmonic Language Resources
Back on OBack on OBack on OBack on Onenenene’s F’s F’s F’s Feeteeteeteet Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I felt sick and went to the doctors. He gave me some medicine and told me I’d be back
on my feet in no time. Back on ones feet means…
a) To feel better and get out of bed
b) To stand up after tripping over
c) To feel physically healthy again
Idioms: Medical
Clean Bill of HClean Bill of HClean Bill of HClean Bill of Healthealthealthealth Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My grandmother had been ill for some time, but now she was much better. Her doctor
gave her a clean bill of health. Clean bill of health means…
a) To be given a doctors bill on crisp, clean paper b) A report that confirms a person is healthy c) A report that is uncertain about a person’s health
Idioms: Medical
Taste of OTaste of OTaste of OTaste of Onenenene’s own M’s own M’s own M’s own Medicineedicineedicineedicine Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The boy, who rudely knocked the
milkshake out of my hand, got a taste of his own medicine when his ice cream later fell in the sand. Taste of ones own medicine means…
a) Having an ice-cream knocked out of your hand
unintentionally
b) Those that treat others poorly are treated the same way c) Made to swallow bitter medicine
Idioms: Medical
Go UGo UGo UGo Under tnder tnder tnder the Khe Khe Khe Knifenifenifenife
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My friend told me, ‘My father went under the knife last night. He’s expected to be
home from the hospital tomorrow.’ Go under the knife means…
a) To be operated on in surgery b) To come home from the hospital safely
c) To cut your finger
Idioms: Medical
Just what the Doctor OJust what the Doctor OJust what the Doctor OJust what the Doctor Orderedrderedrderedrdered
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: I was cold and wet after playing footy in the rain and mud. Mum ran me a hot bath,
which is just what the doctor ordered. Just what the doctor ordered means…
a) The family doctor ordered a hot bath
b) Exactly what is needed or wanted c) A doctor’s orders are to be followed to prevent a
cold Idioms: Medical
Bring RBring RBring RBring Roundoundoundound Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My friend fainted because of the heat.
I tried to bring her round with a fan but she didn’t feel better till much later.
Bring round means…
a) To restore someone to consciousness b) To walk someone around in a circle when they
feel feint
c) To bring someone who feels ill a glass of water Idioms: Medical
Idioms Language Program
27
© David Newmonic Language Resources
Out COut COut COut Coldoldoldold Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The football player jumped high for the ball and came crashing back to the ground, and lay without moving. The T.V. commentator said the player looked like he was out cold.
Out cold means…
a) To be outside on a cold day b) To lose consciousness c) To feel cold and clammy
Idioms: Medical
Come Down WCome Down WCome Down WCome Down Withithithith…………
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My mum was sneezing and didn’t look well. She said, ‘I think I may be coming down with
a cold.’ Come down with…
a) To walk down the stairs with an item b) To become sick c) To come back to earth
Idioms: Medical
Feel on Top of the WFeel on Top of the WFeel on Top of the WFeel on Top of the Worldorldorldorld
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The student came out of the exam room and said, ‘I think I did very well. I’m feeling
on top of the world.’ Feel on top of the world means…
a) To feel very happy and very healthy b) To feel giddy from heights
c) To feel happy from being up so high
Idioms: Medical
Flare UFlare UFlare UFlare Upppp Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The basketball player played the game with a sore knee. He put an ice pack on the knee after the game because it had flared-up again. Flare-up means…
a) A reoccurrence of an old injury or illness b) An injury that causes swelling
c) To play sport while injured
Idioms: Medical
Head SHead SHead SHead Shrinkerhrinkerhrinkerhrinker
Setting: Setting: Setting: Setting: My dad said, ‘The man was ordered by the court to go and see a head shrinker because
of his strange behaviour.’ Head Shrinker means…
a) A witch Doctor
b) A psychiatrist; a doctor who works with patients who have mental illness. c) A person who shrinks heads for a living
Idioms: Medical
Look the Picture of HLook the Picture of HLook the Picture of HLook the Picture of Healthealthealthealth
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The nurse was pleased with the patient’s progress. ‘You look the picture of
health,’ she beamed.
Look the picture of health means…
a) To look like a picture
b) To be in good health and to look healthy c) To look healthy, but be still quite ill
Idioms: Medical
Idioms Language Program
28
© David Newmonic Language Resources
On the MOn the MOn the MOn the Mendendendend
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The boy’s grandfather had had surgery two weeks before, but was now up and walking. He said to his grandson, ‘I think I’m
finally on the mend.’ On the mend means…
a) To feel quite ill b) Starting to heal. Become better c) To repair a broken bone
Idioms: Medical
Over the WOver the WOver the WOver the Worsorsorsorstttt
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The doctor said to the nurse, ‘I’m pleased with Mr. Smith’s progress.’ The nurse replied, ‘Yes, I think he’s finally over the worst.’
Over the worst means…
a) Starting to recover from an illness b) To be very ill
c) Starting to become ill
Idioms: Medical
Run Some TRun Some TRun Some TRun Some Testsestsestsests
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The doctor said to the patient, ‘I just want to run some tests to make sure that
everything’s cleared up.’
Run some tests means…
a) A doctor performs medical tests b) A written test to pass an exam
c) To have a courier deliver tests to a hospital
Idioms: Medical
Take a Turn for the WTake a Turn for the WTake a Turn for the WTake a Turn for the Worseorseorseorse
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The doctor said to my mother, ‘Your husband has taken a turn for the worst, and will have to stay in hospital for a few extra days.’
Take a turn for the worst means…
a) To turn the corner, become better
b) To take your turn in line
c) To become more ill
Idioms: Medical
Run a TRun a TRun a TRun a Temperatureemperatureemperatureemperature Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The mother placed a thermometer in her baby’s mouth. She frowned and said, ‘He’s
running a temperature.’
Run a temperature means…
a) A person’s temperature is high, indicating illness
b) A person’s temperature is high, indicating good
health
c) A person who runs fast has a high temperature Idioms: Medical
Pull TPull TPull TPull Throughhroughhroughhrough
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The nurse said, ‘It was touch and go with Mrs. Jones there for a while, but I’m now
confident that she’ll pull through.’
Pull through means…
a) To become more ill
b) To recover from a serious illness or injury c) To go from being healthy to being sick
Idioms: Medical
Idioms Language Program
29
© David Newmonic Language Resources
Run DRun DRun DRun Downownownown
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: The doctor said to his patient, ‘I want you to take some time off from work. You look
run down and need a holiday.’
Run down means…
a) To feel a bit down after running a race
b) To feel good after working hard
c) To be in poor condition, which could lead to poor health
Idioms: Medical
Under the WUnder the WUnder the WUnder the Weathereathereathereather
Setting:Setting:Setting:Setting: My friend didn’t feel like coming out to kick the footy. He said he was a bit under the
weather.
Under the weather means…
a) To feel poorly because of a rainy day
b) To get wet when you’re under a rain cloud c) To not feel very well
Idioms: Medical