Let's solve each of the
Figures of Speech problems on the worksheet. The task is to identify the
underlined figure of speech in each sentence and explain what it means.
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1. I wonder who let the cat out of the bag. I told all of my friends not to tell!
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Figure of Speech: *Idiom*
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Explanation:
"Let the cat out of the bag" is an idiom meaning to reveal a secret unexpectedly or unintentionally. In this sentence, the speaker is surprised that someone shared the secret (the surprise party), even though they were asked not to. It’s not literal—no actual cat or bag is involved.
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2. Keep a lid on it. I don’t want him to find out about the surprise party.
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Figure of Speech: *Idiom*
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Explanation:
"Keep a lid on it" is an idiom meaning to keep something secret or quiet. It’s a metaphorical way of saying “don’t talk about it.” The "lid" symbolizes covering up information, like putting a lid on a pot to keep contents inside.
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3. I’m not ready for the math exam! I’ll be burning the midnight oil tonight!
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Figure of Speech: *Idiom*
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Explanation:
"Burning the midnight oil" is an idiom meaning to stay up late working or studying. It refers to the old practice of using oil lamps at night. The person is saying they will study very late into the night to prepare for the exam.
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4. “Get off your high horse! Everyone has to participate.”
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Figure of Speech: *Idiom*
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Explanation:
"Get off your high horse" is an idiom used when someone is acting superior or arrogant. It suggests the person should stop acting like they are better than others. The image of a "high horse" symbolizes pride and condescension.
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5. Your friend Tom is full of hot air. Every time I see him, he has another story to tell.
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Figure of Speech: *Idiom*
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Explanation:
"Full of hot air" is an idiom meaning someone talks a lot but says things that are empty, boastful, or not true. It implies that Tom talks excessively and perhaps exaggerates or tells tall tales without substance.
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✔ Summary of Answers:
| Sentence | Figure of Speech | Meaning |
|--------|------------------|--------|
| 1 | Idiom | To reveal a secret |
| 2 | Idiom | Keep quiet / keep a secret |
| 3 | Idiom | Stay up late working/studying |
| 4 | Idiom | Stop acting superior or arrogant |
| 5 | Idiom | Talking too much with no real substance; boastful |
All five examples use
idioms, which are expressions that cannot be understood literally but have a figurative meaning commonly accepted in language.
Let me know if you'd like these explained in simpler terms or illustrated with examples!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of figure of speech worksheet.
