Let’s go through each idiom and match it to its real, non-literal meaning. We’ll take them one at a time so it’s easy to understand.
1.
“It costs an arm and a leg!”
→ This doesn’t mean you’re literally giving up body parts! It means something is very expensive.
✔ Match: *It was very expensive.*
2.
“Break a leg!”
→ You wouldn’t actually want someone to break their leg — this is said to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance.
✔ Match: *Good luck!*
3.
“I’m going to hit the sack.”
→ “Hit the sack” is slang for going to bed (sack = old-fashioned word for bed).
✔ Match: *I’m going to go to bed.*
4.
“It’s a piece of cake.”
→ If something is as easy as eating cake, then it’s super simple.
✔ Match: *It’s very easy.*
5.
“I’m all bent out of shape!”
→ Being “bent out of shape” means you’re upset or angry about something.
✔ Match: *I’m upset.*
6.
“Hang in there!”
→ This encourages someone not to give up — keep holding on!
✔ Match: *Don’t give up!*
7.
“I’ve let the cat out of the bag!”
→ This means you accidentally told a secret that was supposed to stay hidden.
✔ Match: *I’ve told a secret by mistake.*
8.
“He’s off his rocker!”
→ If someone is “off their rocker,” they’re acting crazy or not thinking clearly.
✔ Match: *He’s crazy!*
9.
“I’m on the fence.”
→ Sitting on a fence means you can’t decide which side to pick — you’re unsure.
✔ Match: *I’m not sure what to do.*
10.
“It’s raining cats and dogs.”
→ No animals are falling from the sky — this just means it’s pouring rain heavily.
✔ Match: *There’s heavy rainfall.*
11.
“Let’s hit the road.”
→ “Hit the road” means it’s time to leave or start traveling.
✔ Match: *Time to leave.*
12.
“I’ve got butterflies in my stomach.”
→ That fluttery feeling? It’s nervousness — like when you’re excited or scared before something big.
✔ Match: *I’m feeling nervous.*
13.
“Fingers crossed!”
→ Crossing your fingers is a gesture hoping for good luck or a positive outcome.
✔ Match: *I’m feeling hopeful.*
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Final Answer:
- It costs an arm and a leg! → It was very expensive.
- Break a leg! → Good luck!
- I’m going to hit the sack. → I’m going to go to bed.
- It’s a piece of cake. → It’s very easy.
- I’m all bent out of shape! → I’m upset.
- Hang in there! → Don’t give up!
- I’ve let the cat out of the bag! → I’ve told a secret by mistake.
- He’s off his rocker! → He’s crazy!
- I’m on the fence. → I’m not sure what to do.
- It’s raining cats and dogs. → There’s heavy rainfall.
- Let’s hit the road. → Time to leave.
- I’ve got butterflies in my stomach. → I’m feeling nervous.
- Fingers crossed! → I’m feeling hopeful.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of free idioms worksheet.
