1. Idioms, Proverbs, and Adages
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.5.B: Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs
Created by NJSPEDTeach

2. What is an idiom?
An idiom is an expression whose meaning cannot be predicted from the usual meanings of its constituent elements. (Webster’s Dictionary)
The meaning of an idiom is metaphorical rather than literal. It is not a result of the compositional function of its parts.
The grammatical form of an idiom is invariable and fixed (cannot be changed or altered).

3. Examples of idioms Definition: Sentence:
A person who can endure physical or mental hardship; a hardened, strong-willed person
Sentence:
Even though she broke her leg, she is one tough cookie and never cried in pain.

4. Examples of idioms Sentence: Definition: Definition: Sentence:
Someone who spends a lot of time sitting and watching television.
Sentence:
Even though she broke her leg, she is one tough cookie and never cried in pain.
Definition:
A lazy and inactive person
Sentence:
In order to win the race, Sadie could not be a couch potato; she had to train every day.
Couch Potato
Couch Potato

5. Examples of idioms Definition: Sentence:
To enter a business or organization at a low level, but with a chance of being more successful in the future
Sentence:
I think I could get the job if I could only get my foot in the door.

6. Examples of idioms Definition: Sentence: To focus on what is important
I didn't have long to talk to him so I cut to the chase and asked whether he was still married.

7. Examples of idioms Definition: Sentence:
To be very happy about something
Sentence:
She just bought her first new car and she's on cloud nine.

8. Idiom Challenge Can you guess what these idioms mean?
1. The cat got your tongue
You can’t speak.
2. Let’s hit the road
It’s time to go.
3. Don’t rain on my parade
Don’t ruin my happiness.
4. I have ants in my pants
I have too much energy.

9. What is a proverb?
An proverb is a brief popular saying that gives advice about how people should live or that expresses a belief that is generally thought . (Webster’s Dictionary)
A proverb is short and to the point.
Proverbs are often metaphorical, express a basic truth or practical precept, and based on common sense or cultural experience.

10. The Early Bird Catches the Worm
Examples of proverbs
The Early Bird Catches the Worm
Meaning:
If you wake up and get to work early, you will succeed.

11. Every Cloud has a Silver Lining
Examples of proverbs
Every Cloud has a Silver Lining
Meaning:
There is something good even in an unpleasant situation.

12. Practice Makes Perfect
Examples of proverbs
Practice Makes Perfect
Meaning:
Doing something over and over again is the only way to learn to do it well.

13. All That Glitters is Not Gold
Examples of proverbs
All That Glitters is Not Gold
Meaning:
Just because something looks attractive does not mean it is genuine or valuable.

14. Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch
Examples of proverbs
Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch
Meaning:
You should not count on something before it happens.

15. Proverb Practice What do these proverbs mean?
1. The early bird catches the worm
If you wake up and get to work early, you will succeed.
2. Every cloud has a silver lining
There is something good even in an unpleasant situation.
3. Practice makes perfect
Doing something over and over again is the only way to learn to do it well.
4. All that glitters is not gold
Just because something looks attractive doesn’t mean it is genuine or valuable.
5. Don’t catch your chickens before they hatch
You should not count on something before it happens.

16. What is an adage?
An adage is an old and well-known saying that expresses a general truth. (Webster’s Dictionary)
In many cases, adages happen to be long standing experiences that achieve credibility in the eyes of the people because of their use.
Adages and proverbs are use interchangeably.

17. Don’t judge a book by its cover
Examples of adages
Don’t judge a book by its cover
Meaning:
You shouldn't prejudge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone.

18. Examples of adages Look Before You Leap Meaning:
Think carefully about what you are about to do before you do it.

19. Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Examples of adages
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Meaning:
What you do is more important than what you say.

20. Examples of adages Haste Makes Waste Meaning:
Hurrying will cause you to make mistakes.

21. Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire
Examples of adages
Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire
Meaning:
If it looks like something is wrong, something probably is wrong.

22. Adage Practice What do these adages mean?
1. Don’t judge a book by its cover
You shouldn't prejudge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone
2. Look before you leap
Think carefully about what you are about to do before you do it
3. Actions speak louder than words
What you do is more important than what you say
4. Haste makes waste
Hurrying will cause you to make mistakes
5. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire
If it looks like something is wrong, something probably is wrong

23. Let’s Review! What is an idiom?
An old and well-known saying that expresses a general truth
An expression whose meaning cannot be predicted from the usual meanings of its constituent elements
A brief popular saying that gives advice about how people should live or that expresses a belief that is generally thought

24. Let’s Review! What is a proverb?
An old and well-known saying that expresses a general truth
An expression whose meaning cannot be predicted from the usual meanings of its constituent elements
A brief popular saying that gives advice about how people should live or that expresses a belief that is generally thought

25. Let’s Review! What is an adage?
An old and well-known saying that expresses a general truth
An expression whose meaning cannot be predicted from the usual meanings of its constituent elements
A brief popular saying that gives advice about how people should live or that expresses a belief that is generally thought

26. Idioms, Proverbs, and Adages
Read the following paragraph and identify the proverb. Jillian was excited to try out for the cheerleading squad. She got up early every day to practice her cartwheels and back handsprings so that she could impress the judges on the day of tryouts. After school, Jillian spent another hour memorizing her cheers. By the time the day of tryouts had arrived, Jillian knew that she would make it on the squad. Her mother had told her, “Practice makes perfect.” Jillian’s hard work finally paid off when she was the first pick for the cheerleading squad that day.

27. Idioms, Proverbs, and Adages
The proverb is: Jillian was excited to try out for the cheerleading squad. She got up early every day to practice her cartwheels and back handsprings so that she could impress the judges on the day of tryouts. After school, Jillian spent another hour memorizing her cheers. By the time the day of tryouts had arrived, Jillian knew that she would make it on the squad. Her mother had told her, “Practice makes perfect.” Jillian’s hard work finally paid off when she was the first pick for the cheerleading squad that day.

28. Idioms, Proverbs, and Adages
Read the following paragraph and identify the idiom. Just out of college, Jim was enthusiastic about starting his new career in broadcast journalism. For years he had dreamed of one day delivering the latest news on his favorite television station. What he didn’t know was that there were hundreds of other young, talented graduates who had the same dream as he did. The competition was fierce, and Jim became discouraged when he wasn’t hired by his favorite station. If he could just get his foot in the door, he would have a chance to move up at the station and become the famous broadcaster he envisioned.

29. Idioms, Proverbs, and Adages
The idiom is: Just out of college, Jim was enthusiastic about starting his new career in broadcast journalism. For years he had dreamed of one day delivering the latest news on his favorite television station. What he didn’t know was that there were hundreds of other young, talented graduates who had the same dream as he did. The competition was fierce, and Jim became discouraged when he wasn’t hired by his favorite station. If he could just get his foot in the door, he would have a chance to move up at the station and become the famous broadcaster he envisioned.

30. Idioms, Proverbs, and Adages
Read the following paragraph and identify the adage. It was the first day of middle school and Sarah was excited to meet new friends. Upon arriving at her first class, she sat down next to a pretty girl wearing the latest designer fashions. Since Sarah’s family could not afford to buy her expensive clothes, she wore her sister’s old hand me downs. As she glanced over at the girl sitting next to her, she was embarrassed and did not make eye contact with her. Sarah thought the girl would never talk to her and would not want to be her friend. To her surprise, the girl complimented Sarah on her long, brown hair. It just goes to show you can’t judge a book by it’s cover.

31. Idioms, Proverbs, and Adages
Read the following paragraph and identify the adage. It was the first day of middle school and Sarah was excited to meet new friends. Upon arriving at her first class, she sat down next to a pretty girl wearing the latest designer fashions. Since Sarah’s family could not afford to buy her expensive clothes, she wore her sister’s old hand me downs. As she glanced over at the girl sitting next to her, she was embarrassed and did not make eye contact with her. Sarah thought the girl would never talk to her and would not want to be her friend. To her surprise, the girl complimented Sarah on her long, brown hair. It just goes to show you can’t judge a book by it’s cover.

32. Idioms, Proverbs, and Adages
What is one question you have? What is one thing you learned?
Your Turn!