Idioms, Adages, and Proverbs 5th Grade- ELA Common Core Aligned

Understanding Common Expressions and Sayings Idioms, adages, and proverbs are types of common expressions and sayings that have meanings beyond what can be understood by their common words.

What is an Idiom? An idiom is a saying that does not mean exactly what it says. It is a colorful way of saying something. An idiom is common to a particular culture that does NOT mean what it literally says! You can figure out the meaning of an idiom by using context clues or familiar words around the idiom. Sometimes idioms can be found in the dictionary under its main word.

What is the idiom in the following sentence? What does it mean? My best friend is always pulling my leg, but I have learned to not believe everything she says. Idiom= pulling my leg Meaning= teasing me

Idiom Examples… When I told my friend the joke, she laughed her head off! If I make a 100 on my reading test, I will be on cloud nine.

Adages and Proverbs So closely related that the terms are often used interchangeably! What is an Proverb? What is an Adage? A proverb is a statement of practical wisdom expressed in a simple way. An example is “a stitch in time saves nine,” which means that doing something in a timely way saves you from having to do more work later. An adage is a well-known proverb that has been used for a long time. An example is “where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” which means that if there is evidence that something is happening, it probably is actually happening.

Adages and Proverbs Adages and proverbs offer advice and observations about life. Generally, you have to learn what they mean by asking someone or looking the meaning up online! A watched pot never boils…. Means… things you look forward to seem to take a long time to happen. You live, you learn… means… mistakes can teach useful lessons. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you… means… don’t hurt those who take care of you, or they may not want to take care of you anymore. Nothing ventured, nothing gained… means… you cant expect to achieve something if you never even try to do it.