English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Identify the meaning of idioms and adages: set 1
Identify the meaning of idioms and adages: set 1
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define what an idiom is and provide an example.
Define what an adage is and provide an example.
Distinguish between the literal and figurative meanings of phrases.
Use context clues to infer the meaning of unfamiliar idioms.
Explain the meaning of common adages and their underlying wisdom.
Identify the author's purpose in using idioms or adages within a text.
Have you ever heard someone say, 'It's raining cats and dogs' 🌧️ and wondered if animals were actually falling from the sky? Or maybe, 'A penny for your thoughts' and knew they weren't asking for actual money? 🤔
In this lesson, you'll learn about idioms and adages – special phrases that don't mean exactly what they say. Understanding these will help you...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
IdiomA phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meaning of its words. It has a figurative meaning that is different from its literal meaning.When someone says 'break a leg' before a performance, they mean 'good luck,' not literally to injure yourself.
AdageA short, traditional saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice. Adages are often wise observations about life.'Actions speak louder than words' is an adage meaning that what you do is more important than what you say.
Figurative LanguageLanguage that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation. Idioms and adages are types of figurative language.Saying 'my stomach is growling' is fig...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The 'Not What It Says' Rule for Idioms
If a phrase sounds strange or doesn't make sense literally, it's probably an idiom with a hidden, figurative meaning.
Always question phrases that seem nonsensical when taken word-for-word. The true meaning of an idiom is usually unrelated to the individual words.
The 'Words of Wisdom' Rule for Adages
Adages offer general truths, advice, or observations about life that have been passed down over time.
When you encounter a short, memorable saying that seems to offer a lesson or a piece of common sense, it's likely an adage. Think about the life lesson it's trying to teach.
The 'Context is King' Rule
Always look at the surrounding words and sentences (the context) to help you figure...
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Challenging
Read the passage: 'The detective had been working on the case for weeks. The clues were confusing, and every lead was a dead end. He felt like he was chasing rainbows, but he refused to give up.' Based on the context, what does the idiom 'chasing rainbows' mean?
A.Looking for something colorful and beautiful
B.Pursuing something that is impossible to achieve
C.Working only when the weather is nice
D.Following a path that leads to a treasure
Challenging
In an argumentative essay arguing for stricter environmental laws, a student writes: 'We cannot afford to ignore climate change any longer. We must act now, because an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' How does this adage serve the author's purpose?
A.It effectively uses wisdom to argue that it is easier and better to solve a problem now than to deal with a bigger crisis later.
B.It distracts from the main argument by introducing irrelevant ideas about weight and medicine.
C.It entertains the reader by using an old-fashioned and humorous phrase.
D.It informs the reader about the historical measurements of ounces and pounds.
Challenging
A student argues that 'go for a walk' is an idiom because you are moving your legs. A classmate disagrees, citing the 'Not What It Says' Rule. Why is the classmate correct?
A.The classmate is incorrect; 'go for a walk' is a classic idiom.
B.The classmate is correct because walking involves more than just your legs.
C.The classmate is correct because the phrase 'go for a walk' has a literal meaning that is exactly what it says, so it is not an idiom.
D.The classmate is correct because only phrases about animals can be idioms.
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