Determine the meaning of idioms from context: set 1

Learning Objectives Define the term 'idiom' and explain why it is a type of figurative language. Identify the idiom within a given sentence or short paragraph. Locate context clues that hint at an idiom's meaning. Determine the meaning of common idioms using the surrounding text. Explain the difference between the literal and figurative meaning of an idiom. Use a newly learned idiom correctly in their own sentence. Have you ever heard someone say 'it's raining cats and dogs' and looked outside for furry friends falling from the sky? 🌧️🐈🐕 Today, we're going to learn about special phrases called idioms! These phrases have a secret, figurative meaning that is different from what the words actually say. Learning to figure them out from clues...

TermDefinitionExample IdiomA common phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of its individual words.The phrase 'break a leg' is an idiom that means 'good luck!' Figurative LanguageWords or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation. It's language that isn't meant to be taken word-for-word.Saying 'the classroom was a zoo' is figurative language. It doesn't mean there were real animals; it means the classroom was wild and noisy. Literal MeaningThe exact, dictionary meaning of words. It's what the words actually say.The literal meaning of 'it's raining cats and dogs' would be that cats and dogs are falling from the clouds. ContextThe words, sentences,...

The Context Clue Detective Read the sentences before and after the idiom to look for clues. The author usually leaves hints that tell you what the idiom might mean. Look for words that describe feelings, actions, or results related to the idiom. Think Figuratively, Not Literally Ask yourself: 'Does this phrase make sense if I take it word-for-word?' If not, it's probably an idiom. Idioms are meant to be imaginative. If the literal meaning is silly or impossible (like a cat getting your tongue), you know it has a special, figurative meaning. Picture the Situation Think about the overall situation in the story. What is happening? How do the characters feel? The meaning of the idiom should fit the mood and events of the story. If a character is sad, the i...