An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its separate words but must be learned as a whole. In other words, idioms are word combinations that have a different meaning than the actual meaning of each individual word. For example, “It’s raining cats and dogs”. This statement really means, “It’s raining heavily”, and “It came out of left field” which means, ” Something that is unexpected or prepared for”.

This week in library, we will be reading two hilarious and very popular books, More Parts and Even More Parts, written by Ted Arnold. The funny literal translation of idioms in these books will provide a great place for students to begin their understanding.

Below is a sample spread from inside Even More Parts. What common idiom is being depicted in this spread?

Have you heard anyone in your family, your parents or grandparents, use idioms when speaking? What are some of the idioms you hear?

Using a 5 X 7 index card, draw the literal idiom on one side of the card. Write the idiom on the back.

Go online to the interactive Eye on Idioms to view additional literal representations of selected idioms. Complete the sentence by selecting the correct idiom from the list, determine the metaphorical meaning of the idiom, and then use the idiom in a sentence to show your understanding of its meaning.