Skip to content
LessonPrint

Figurative Language and Idiom is a free printable Grade 5 English worksheet on interpreting similes, metaphors and idioms in context, aligned to Common Core standard L.5.5. It prints 8 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 1 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.

Next setLesson plan

One paper per student

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425

All 25 sets ask different questions.

Figurative Language and Idiom

L.5.5

NameDate

Circle the right answer.

1."Do not spill the beans about the surprise party." What does the idiom mean?
  • A.Do not cook for the party.
  • B.Do not drop the beans.
  • C.Do not tell anyone the secret.
2."The fog was a thick blanket over the town." What does the metaphor suggest?
  • A.The fog was thin and patchy.
  • B.Somebody put a blanket on the town.
  • C.The fog covered the whole town.
3."Ana hit the books all weekend before the test." What does the idiom mean?
  • A.Ana studied hard.
  • B.Ana punched her books.
  • C.Ana threw her books away.
4."Dev tried to keep his cool when the projector broke." What does the idiom mean?
  • A.Dev got angry.
  • B.Dev tried to stay cold.
  • C.Dev tried to stay calm.
5."Sam has a heart of gold." What does the metaphor mean?
  • A.Sam is very kind.
  • B.Sam is rich.
  • C.Sam's heart is made of metal.
6."On market day the town was a beehive." What does the metaphor suggest?
  • A.Bees lived in the town.
  • B.The town was empty.
  • C.The town was busy and full of people.
7."The lecture was as dry as dust." What does the simile mean?
  • A.The room was dusty.
  • B.The lecture was very dull.
  • C.The lecture was exciting.
8."When Mia saw her score, she was over the moon." What does the idiom mean?
  • A.Mia was delighted.
  • B.Mia was disappointed.
  • C.Mia jumped very high.

LessonPrint · L.5.5 · Set 1 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Figurative Language and Idiom

Set 1. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.Do not tell anyone the secret.
  2. 2.The fog covered the whole town.
  3. 3.Ana studied hard.
  4. 4.Dev tried to stay calm.
  5. 5.Sam is very kind.
  6. 6.The town was busy and full of people.
  7. 7.The lecture was very dull.
  8. 8.Mia was delighted.

Questions about Figurative Language and Idiom

What does the Figurative Language and Idiom worksheet cover?

It practices interpreting similes, metaphors and idioms in context — 8 questions for Grade 5, all on Common Core L.5.5: Interpret figurative language, idioms, proverbs and shades of meaning. The instruction to students is “Circle the right answer”, and the answer key follows on the next sheet.

Which Common Core standard does Figurative Language and Idiom practice?

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.5 — L.5.5, under Language for Grade 5. The published standard reads: “Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.” The worksheet assesses that standard rather than a paraphrase of it.

What age or grade is this worksheet for?

Figurative Language and Idiom is written for Grade 5, typically ages 10-11. It is one of the sheets on L.5.5, so it suits any student working at that standard — including older students revisiting it and younger ones working ahead.

Does Figurative Language and Idiom come with an answer key?

Yes. All 8 answers are generated from the same problems as the questions, so the key cannot drift out of step with the sheet. It starts on a fresh sheet of paper, after the questions, so it is not handed out with the class by accident.

How many different versions of Figurative Language and Idiom can I print?

25 — one per student, and all 25 ask different questions. Set 1 downloads the whole class as a single PDF. Every version is fixed to its own address, so a sheet printed today holds the same problems when you reopen it next week.

Is Figurative Language and Idiom free to print and photocopy?

Yes. Figurative Language and Idiom, its answer key and its 25 versions are free to print and photocopy for your own class, with no account, no email capture and no subscription at the download step. Please do not resell them or republish them as your own.

Is there a lesson plan to teach L.5.5?

Yes — “Idioms, Adages, Proverbs and Nuance” is a 40-minute Grade 5 plan for L.5.5, timed section by section, with the misconceptions to expect and an exit ticket. Figurative Language and Idiom is the practice that follows it.

More practice for L.5.5

Interpret figurative language, idioms, proverbs and shades of meaning.

Teaching this next? Idioms, Adages, Proverbs and Nuance is the 40-minute plan for it, with the misconceptions to expect.

All Grade 5 worksheets

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to L.5.5 of the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.