Worksheet explaining literal and nonliteral language with examples and exercises.

Let’s go through each part of the worksheet step by step. The goal is to figure out what each underlined phrase means — whether it’s literal (real, actual meaning) or nonliteral (figurative, not meant to be taken word-for-word).

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Part 1:

> Mac: Wow! Have you seen my fish?
> Jim: No, but I saw your dad. Is he okay? He looked like the cat, kitty in that chest!
> When I got home, I found the fish tank of water had been knocked over.

Underlined phrase: “looked like the cat, kitty in that chest”

Wait — this seems like a typo or misprint. It probably should say: “looked like the cat that ate the canary” — which is a common idiom. But as written, “cat, kitty in that chest” doesn’t make sense literally. Let’s think contextually.

Jim says Mac’s dad looked strange or guilty — and then we learn the fish tank was knocked over. So maybe Dad did something wrong? If someone “looks like the cat that ate the canary,” it means they look smug or guilty because they got away with something.

But here, since the fish are gone and the tank is tipped, maybe Dad looks guilty — so the phrase is likely meant to be figurative.

Actually, looking again — perhaps it’s supposed to be: “He looked like the cat that ate the goldfish”? That would fit better.

Since the text says “cat, kitty in that chest” — that might be a mistake. But based on context, Jim is saying Dad looked suspicious or guilty — so it’s nonliteral.

✔ Final decision for Part 1: Nonliteral — because it’s describing how Dad looked emotionally (guilty/sneaky), not that there was actually a cat inside a chest.

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Part 2:

> Terry: Is it safe to play soccer now?
> Coach: We’re doing great. The coach told us to keep our eyes on the ball. You could end up in any situation when the ball flies into the air!
> Then Coach Goodwin called me aside.

Underlined phrase: “keep our eyes on the ball”

This is a very common expression. Literally, it means watch the ball while playing. But often, it’s used figuratively to mean “stay focused on the main thing.”

In this case, Coach is talking about soccer — so he probably means it literally: don’t take your eyes off the ball during the game.

BUT — wait! He says “You could end up in any situation when the ball flies into the air!” — which suggests he’s warning them to stay alert. Still, in sports context, “keep your eyes on the ball” is usually literal advice.

However, sometimes coaches use it metaphorically even in sports — like “focus on the goal.” But here, since it’s right before talking about the ball flying, it’s likely meant literally.

Wait — let’s read again: “The coach told us to keep our eyes on the ball.” In soccer, if you don’t watch the ball, you might miss it or get hurt. So yes — literal.

✔ Final decision for Part 2: Literal — because in soccer, you really do need to watch the ball to play safely and well.

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Part 3:

> Jason: Our suitcases and bags take up a lot of space.
> Alex: Oh no! I forgot! Sit tight and I’ll get it out of my backpack.

Underlined phrase: “Sit tight”

What does “sit tight” mean? It doesn’t mean literally sit down and hold still — although that’s part of it. It usually means “wait patiently” or “don’t move or worry — I’ll handle it.”

Alex is telling Jason to wait while he gets something from his backpack. So it’s not about physically sitting — it’s about waiting calmly.

✔ Final decision for Part 3: Nonliteral — because it’s an idiom meaning “wait patiently,” not necessarily to sit down.

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Now let’s double-check:

- Part 1: “looked like the cat, kitty in that chest” → weird phrasing, but context implies guilt → nonliteral
- Part 2: “keep our eyes on the ball” → in soccer context → literal
- Part 3: “sit tight” → means wait patiently → nonliteral

All match standard usage.

Final Answer:
1. Nonliteral
2. Literal
3. Nonliteral