Idiom Project
Due : __________________________________
Name_____________________________________________
Objective: To understand the difference between the literal and figurative meaning of idioms; to gain
exposure and understanding of common English idioms.
Definition: An idiom is a phrase that, if taken literally (word for word) might not make sense. Taken
figuratively, in our culture, the phrase has meaning. For example, if I told you to “Hit the road,” I don’t mean
you should do the literal meaning, which would be to go to HWY 575 and punch the street! I would mean it
figuratively—“get out of here!” or “let’s go!”
Task: For this project, you will receive an idiom phrase to illustrate and explain.
The set-up of your project should look like this:
IDIOM: It’s raining cats and dogs.
LITERAL
FIGURATIVE
This idiom means that it is raining incredibly hard outside.
“Be sure to bring your umbrella and wear boots because it’s raining cats and dogs!”
Directions:
1) Your idiom should be written across the top of your paper.
2) On the left side of the paper, draw a color illustration of what your idiom would mean if someone took
the words to mean exactly what they say. The word “literal” should be written above your drawing. (You
may draw directly on the paper given, or draw on a separate piece and glue it down. You may also
combine computer or magazine graphics with your illustration.)
3) On the right side of the paper, you should have a color illustration of what your idiom means figuratively,
and the word “figurative” should be written above your drawing. (Again, you may draw directly on the
paper given, or draw on a separate piece and glue it down. You may also combine computer or magazine
graphics with your illustration.)
4) Across the bottom of the paper you need to explain what the idiom means. (http://www.idiomsite.com)
5) Underneath your explanation write the idiom in a sentence to show how it would be used.
6) Write your name on the back of your project. Your project will be graded according to the rubric on the
back of this sheet, so turn this paper in along with your project. You may turn it in before the due date if you
wish.
Name_____________________________
Grading rubric: Teacher will make a √ if all points are received, or a
minus sign if points are lost.
TOTAL:
___________
(1 pt.) Followed directions (correct format)
____________
(5 pts.) Literal drawing represents literal meaning
___________
(5 pts.) Figurative drawing represents figurative meaning
___________
(2 pts.) Pictures fill up the space on the paper
___________
(3 pts.) Pictures are fully colored & writing is neat
____________
(1 pt.) Explanation of idiom is correct
____________
(1 pt.) Idiom used correctly in example sentence
____________
(1 pts.) All words are spelled correctly
____________
(1 pt.) Name is on the back
/20 total points
=
__________grade percentage
an arm and a leg
apple of my eye
blue moon
bend over backwards
bite your tongue
bite off more than you can chew
charley horse
dead ringer
dry run
everything but the kitchen sink
Elvis has left the building
finding your feet
give him the slip
get up on the wrong side of the bed
hit the books
hit the nail on the head
icing on the cake
it takes two to tango
lend me your ear
nest egg
out on a limb
pass the buck
smell something fishy
til the cows come home
tie the knot
under the weather
water under the bridge
when pigs fly