Let's solve this idiom matching exercise step by step.
We are given 12 idioms on the left and 12 possible meanings (labeled A–L) on the right. The goal is to match each idiom with its correct real-life meaning.
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Step 1: Understand each idiom
Let’s go through each idiom one by one and figure out what it means.
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1. I'm a couch potato.
→ This means someone who spends a lot of time sitting around, usually watching TV or being lazy.
✔ Meaning: B. I'm lazy.
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2. I have cold feet.
→ This means you're nervous or scared about doing something, especially before taking action.
✔ Meaning: D. I'm scared to do something.
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3. I will zip my lips.
→ "Zip" refers to closing your mouth tightly. So this means to stay quiet.
✔ Meaning: G. I will be quiet.
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4. I ate a square meal.
→ A "square meal" is a full, proper meal (often used in old-fashioned English). It means you had a good, satisfying meal.
✔ Meaning: H. I'm listening. ✘ Wait — that doesn’t make sense. Let's recheck.
Wait! "Ate a square meal" = had a good meal → but none of the options say “I had a good meal.” Let’s look again.
Actually, option
F says: "I want to ask you a question." That doesn’t fit.
Option
J: "I ate a healthy, balanced meal." → That sounds like it fits!
Yes! "Square meal" is an idiom for a complete, nutritious meal.
✔ Meaning: J. I ate a healthy, balanced meal.
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5. I'm on the fence.
→ This means you're undecided or not sure which side to take.
✔ Meaning: I. I'm not sure about something.
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6. I opened a can of worms.
→ This means you started something that caused a lot of problems or complications.
✔ Meaning: A. I started some trouble.
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7. I should keep my eye on the ball.
→ This means to stay focused on the task at hand.
✔ Meaning: K. I should focus.
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8. I have a heart of gold.
→ This means someone is very kind and generous.
But looking at the choices, none directly say “I’m kind” — wait! Option
E says: "I am kind."
Yes!
✔ Meaning: E. I am kind.
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9. I look on the bright side.
→ This means you see the positive aspects of a situation.
✔ Meaning: C. I'm positive about things.
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10. I want to pick your brain.
→ This means you want to ask someone for their ideas or advice.
✔ Meaning: F. I want to ask you a question.
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11. I lost my mind.
→ This means you’re acting crazy or irrational.
✔ Meaning: L. I went crazy.
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12. I'm all ears.
→ This means you are paying close attention and ready to listen.
✔ Meaning: H. I'm listening.
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Now let’s compile the matches:
| Idiom | Meaning |
|-------|--------|
| 1. I'm a couch potato. | B. I'm lazy. |
| 2. I have cold feet. | D. I'm scared to do something. |
| 3. I will zip my lips. | G. I will be quiet. |
| 4. I ate a square meal. | J. I ate a healthy, balanced meal. |
| 5. I'm on the fence. | I. I'm not sure about something. |
| 6. I opened a can of worms. | A. I started some trouble. |
| 7. I should keep my eye on the ball. | K. I should focus. |
| 8. I have a heart of gold. | E. I am kind. |
| 9. I look on the bright side. | C. I'm positive about things. |
| 10. I want to pick your brain. | F. I want to ask you a question. |
| 11. I lost my mind. | L. I went crazy. |
| 12. I'm all ears. | H. I'm listening. |
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Final Answer:
1. B
2. D
3. G
4. J
5. I
6. A
7. K
8. E
9. C
10. F
11. L
12. H
✔ All matched correctly.
Let me know if you'd like this formatted as a worksheet answer key!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of idioms practice worksheet.
