THURSDAY – WEEK 8

GRAMMAR LESSON

*understand that language is structured to

create meaning according to audience,

purpose and context.

*show how ideas and points of view in texts

are conveyed using vocabulary, including

idiomatic expressions, and that these can change according to context.

An idiom is a saying that doesn’t mean exactly what is

written or said; they have hidden meanings.

Understanding idioms – a common expression understood figuratively, as the

literal definition does not make sense.

1. We tried to give Tommy a surprise party for his birthday, but you let the cat out of the bag.

This means that somebody shared a secret with the person who was not supposed to know.

2. Kevin accepted the job even though he was still at school, but his mum thought he might be

biting off more than he could chew.

This means that he was taking on more than he could handle.

3. I didn’t want to jump the gun, so this time I decided to wait.

This means that someone did something too soon, before the time was right.

4. Derek disliked how much his mum nagged him about his chores. He didn’t really see why it

mattered and he thought she was making a mountain out of a molehill.

This means that someone was making a big deal about a small matter.

5. Tammy was feeling a little under the weather, so she asked her mum if she could stay home.

This means that she was sick.

Let’s take a closer look. Read each sentence on this slide and the next and see if you can identify the appropriate idiom.

Sarah _________________ on her schoolwork.

a) kept her eyes peeled

b) made a head start

c) felt weak at the knees

“Mum must have ____________________ to know about the broken window!” exclaimed Zach.

a) her heart on her sleeve

b) a pain in the neck

c) eyes in the back of her head

“Ben is the ____________” said Gran

a) apple of my eye

b) head start

c) gut feeling

Mum said, “We need to some glitter, so _______________.”

a) foaming at the mouth

b) keep your eyes peeled

c) have a chip on your shoulder

Let’s take a closer look. Continue to see if you can identify the appropriate idiom.

I’ve got a _________________ that this will be a good day.

a) weight of my shoulders

b) hands are tied

c) gut feeling

Sam and Billy are best friends, it’s like they are _________________.

a) eyes are peeled

b) chip on his shoulder

c) joined at the hip

“When I gave the presentation, I was so nervous, I felt _______________” exclaimed David.

a) weak at the knees

b) a chip on his shoulder

c) a pain in the neck

“I’ve got ___________________ about the exams, I’m so nervous!”

a) my Achilles’ Heel

b) butterflies in my stomach

c) foaming at the mouth

HOW DID YOU GO?Sarah made a head start on her schoolwork.

“Mum must have eyes in the back of her head to know about the broken

window!” exclaimed Zach.

“Ben is the apple of my eye,” said Gran.

Mum said, “We need to some glitter, so keep your eyes peeled.”

I’ve got a gut feeling that this will be a good day.

Sam and Billy are best friends, it’s like they are joined at the hip.

“When I gave the presentation, I was so nervous, I felt weak at the knees,”

exclaimed David.

“I’ve got butterflies in my tummy about the exams, I’m so nervous!”

Now it’s your turn! Complete the activities online or in your book.

Read each sentence, were the idiom has been bolded explain the meaning of each.

I like my cousin. He’s a cool guy.

This means _______________________________________________________________

My brother and I fought over the Xbox last week, but that’s water under the bridge now.

This means _______________________________________________________________

Jeff was a fast learner, so he knew that the test would be a piece of cake.

This means _______________________________________________________________

Every player is important on a football team, but a good quarter back is worth his weight in gold.

This means _______________________________________________________________

Kylie’s mother wanted her to play the piano but, as much as Kylie wanted to make her happy, playing the

piano was not her cup of tea.

This means _______________________________________________________________

I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but I’m the fastest kid on my block and the smartest too.

This means _______________________________________________________________

Many times, the great inventor’s husband called for him to take a break, but she had a fire in her belly.

This means _______________________________________________________________

When asked what had happened the brothers beat around the bush.

This means _______________________________________________________________

After the busy weekend, the whole family was ready to hit the sack earlier than usual.

This means _______________________________________________________________

Frank was up in arms about today’s handball game.

This means _______________________________________________________________

Once they became teenagers they ate like a horse.

This means _______________________________________________________________

When the grandmother saw her grandson collecting coins like her son used to do, she knew he was a chip

off the old block.

This means _______________________________________________________________

Lester made the audition by the skin of his teeth, as the gates were closing.

This means _______________________________________________________________