BODY IDIOMS
Module
Language Proficiency
Unit
Understanding and Using Body Idioms
Programme outline
A thief stole the famous painting “Mona Lisa”. Inspector David and police officer
Henry go and look into the case. Throughout their investigation, they talk and use
some interesting body idioms. What are idioms? The presenters Jenny and Hailey
have their explanations with example sentences. Come and learn to use some body
idioms together while watching a crime story.
Key Stage 2 Learning Targets
To develop an ever-improving capability to use English
~ to participate with others in making choices and decisions for carrying out events
(I.S.d)
~ to give expression to imaginative ideas through oral, written and performative
means such as providing simple oral and written descriptions of a situation, object or
character (E.S.c)
Communicative functions
1. Learn about the idioms connected with facial and body parts such as eyebrows,
hands and ears, etc.
2. Ask for and give explanations of the hidden meanings of the idioms, e.g., keep your
ear to the ground, be all eyes and ears, etc.
3. Draw others’ attention to people, things and situations, and describe them briefly
such as walls have ears, have your nose in the air, etc.
Suggested activities
1. Print out COPYMASTER 1 the famous painting Mona Lisa. Introduce the Italian
painter Leonardo de Vinci (1452-1519).
2. Ask pupils if the woman in the painting is happy or not. Draw their attention to her
smile. Revise the basic vocabulary of body and facial parts such as mouth, eyes,
eyebrows, nose, etc.
3. Introduce the programme briefly and the presenters, Jenny and Hailey. Choose one
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idiom from COPYMASTER 2 and write it on the board. Tell the class that it is an
idiom.
4. Explain the definition of idioms. An idiom is a group of words put together to
create a special meaning. Body idioms are phrases using the names of our body
parts. Invite pupils to guess the meaning of the idiom on the board. Let them enjoy
the fun of guessing. Tell them to look for the right answer while watching the
programme.
5. Watch the programme together. Draw pupils’ attention to the presenters’
explanation and the animation that explain the real and literal meanings of the
idioms.
6. After watching the programme, distribute COPYMASTER 2 to the class. Ask
pupils to read the idioms. Recall the funny animation for each body idiom.
Motivate pupils to learn the real meaning of each idiom that is to some extent
related to the function of each body part. For example, our eyes and ears are for
seeing and listening. “Be all eyes and ears” means to watch and listen carefully.
Teachers can replay the programme and pause it when pupils need help with
understanding either the situation or the target language. Go through the real
meaning of each idiom.
Part A. Body Idioms and meanings:
a. “To raise some eyebrows”- to surprise people or to shock them
b. “To keep an eye on something”- to look after something
c. “Be all eyes and ears”- to watch and listen carefully
d. “To lend a hand”- to help someone do something
e. “Walls have ears”- someone may be listening next door
f. “In one ear and out the other”- forget things easily
g. “To keep your ear to the ground”- to listen out for information about
something
h. “Something makes your mouth water”- food that looks and smells so good
that you want to eat it
i. “To have your nose in the air”- to be too proud of yourself
In Part B, ask pupils to choose and tick (✔) the right idioms they can use in each
situation. Then give reasons.
i) In the kitchen, you smell something good.
Answer: Something makes my mouth water.
ii) You see your teacher carrying two big bags of books in school. You
want to help him or her.
Answer: I’d like to lend a hand.
iii) Your best friend wants to tell you a secret but there are too many
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people around.
Answer: Sh, walls have ears!
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COPYMASTER 1
Body Idioms
Mona Lisa
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COPYMASTER 2
Body Idioms
Part A. Do you know what these body idioms mean?
Read them aloud.
a. “To raise some eyebrows”- to surprise people or to shock
them
b. “To keep an eye on something” - to look after something
c. “Be all eyes and ears” - to watch and listen carefully
d. “To lend a hand” - to help someone do something
e. “Walls have ears”- someone may be listening next door
f. “In one ear and out the other” - forget things easily
g. “To keep your ear to the ground”- to listen out for information
about something
h. “Something makes your mouth water”- food that looks and
smells so good that you want to eat it.
i. “ To have your nose in the air”- to be too proud of yourself
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Part B. Choose the right idiom you would say by ticking (✔) in the
bracket. Explain why.
i) In the kitchen, you smell something good.
( ) Walls have ears.
( ) In one ear and out the other!
( ) Something makes my mouth water!
ii) You see your teacher carrying two big bags of books in school. You
want to help him or her.
( ) I’d like to lend a hand.
( ) Keep an eye on the books.
( ) I’m all eyes and ears.
iii) Your best friend wants to tell you a secret but there are too many
people around.
( ) Sh, walls have ears!
( ) I’m all eyes and ears.
( ) Keep an eye on your wallet.
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