Let us learn some simple English idioms for class 5 students with meanings.
Learning English can be fun, especially when you learn idioms! But what are idioms?
This post is helpful for:
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English beginners and ESL learners
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Kids, school, and college students
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Working professionals
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English teachers and future teachers
What is an Idiom?
An idiom is a group of words that means something different from the actual words. Idioms make our speaking and writing more interesting and colorful.
For example:
👉 “It’s raining cats and dogs” does not mean real cats and dogs are falling from the sky. It means it is raining very heavily.
What Are English Idioms?
⭐ 1. A piece of cake
Meaning: Something very easy to do.
Example: The homework was a piece of cake.
⭐ 2. Break the ice
Meaning: To start talking in a new or uncomfortable situation.
Example: The teacher told a joke to break the ice.
⭐ 3. Spill the beans
Meaning: To tell a secret.
Example: Riya spilled the beans about the surprise party.
⭐ 4. Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling sick or not well.
Example: I didn’t go to school because I was under the weather.
⭐ 5. Hit the books
Meaning: To start studying seriously.
Example: Exams are near. It’s time to hit the books.
⭐ 6. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Something that happens very rarely.
Example: We go to the zoo once in a blue moon.
⭐ 7. Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To reveal a secret by mistake.
Example: He let the cat out of the bag about the gift.
⭐ 8. Cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: Very expensive.
Example: That toy car cost an arm and a leg!
⭐ 9. Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: To be sad about something that has already happened and can’t be changed.
Example: It’s okay, don’t cry over spilled milk.
⭐ 10. Hit the sack
Meaning: To go to sleep.
Example: I’m very tired. I’m going to hit the sack.
⭐ 11. Cold feet
Meaning: To feel nervous before doing something.
Example: I got cold feet before my dance performance.
⭐ 12. Hold your horses
Meaning: Wait or be patient.
Example: Hold your horses! The show will start soon.
⭐ 13. Bite your tongue
Meaning: To stop yourself from saying something.
Example: I wanted to complain, but I bit my tongue.
⭐ 14. All ears
Meaning: Ready to listen.
Example: Tell me the story! I’m all ears.
⭐ 15. Green with envy
Meaning: Very jealous.
Example: She was green with envy when she saw my new bag.
⭐ 16. In hot water
Meaning: In trouble.
Example: I was in hot water for not finishing my homework.
⭐ 17. Pull someone’s leg
Meaning: To joke or trick someone.
Example: Don’t worry, I’m just pulling your leg!
⭐ 18. Zip your lip
Meaning: Keep quiet or don’t say anything.
Example: The teacher said to zip our lips during the test.
⭐ 19. Butterflies in the stomach
Meaning: Feeling nervous or excited.
Example: I had butterflies in my stomach before the speech.
⭐ 20. Time flies
Meaning: Time passes very quickly.
Example: Time flies when we are playing with friends.
🌟 Why Should You Learn Idioms?
Idioms are fun and useful. They help you:
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Speak like a native English speaker.
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Make your language more interesting.
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Understand books, stories, and TV shows better.
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Impress your teachers and friends!
📝 Tips to Remember Idioms
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Use pictures – Draw something funny to remember the meaning.
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Say it out loud – Speak the idiom often.
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Use it in a sentence – Try to make your own sentences.
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Play games – Match idioms with meanings or act them out.
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Use them in writing – Add idioms to your essays and stories.
🎯 Fun Activity for You!
Try to match the idioms with the correct meanings:
| Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A. Hit the books | 1. To sleep |
| B. Hit the sack | 2. To study seriously |
| C. Cry over spilled milk | 3. To be sad about the past |
| D. Spill the beans | 4. To tell a secret |
Answer:
A → 2, B → 1, C → 3, D → 4 ✅
🧠 Practice Time
Complete these sentences with the correct idiom:
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I was feeling _________, so I stayed home.
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My little brother is _________ because I got a new toy.
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We must _________ if we want to pass the test.
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He always tries to _________ by telling funny jokes.
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I couldn’t sleep last night because I had _________.
(Try using these idioms: green with envy, butterflies in my stomach, break the ice, under the weather, hit the books)
📚 Idioms in Stories
Let’s read a short story with idioms:
The Surprise Party
Ravi was under the weather, but he didn’t want to miss his friend’s birthday. He decided to go. When he reached, he was surprised! His friends shouted, “Surprise!”
Ravi had butterflies in his stomach. He didn’t know what to say. He saw a big cake, balloons, and gifts. “This must have cost an arm and a leg,” he said.
Riya laughed and said, “We planned it well, but Tina spilled the beans yesterday!”
Everyone laughed. Ravi smiled and said, “It’s okay. I’m just happy to be here.”
✅ Let’s Revise – Idioms You Learned Today
Here’s a quick list of all 20 idioms from this post:
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A piece of cake
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Break the ice
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Spill the beans
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Under the weather
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Hit the books
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Once in a blue moon
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Let the cat out of the bag
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Cost an arm and a leg
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Cry over spilled milk
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Hit the sack
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Cold feet
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Hold your horses
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Bite your tongue
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All ears
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Green with envy
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In hot water
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Pull someone’s leg
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Zip your lip
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Butterflies in the stomach
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Time flies
🧩 Your Turn!
Choose 5 idioms and use them in your own sentences. You can write them in your notebook or share them with your teacher or friends. It’s a great way to remember them.
🎉 Final Thoughts
Dear students, idioms are like little magic words. They make your English more beautiful and fun. Try to use at least one idiom every day. You’ll soon become more confident in speaking and writing.
Remember, learning is a piece of cake when you enjoy it!
If you liked this post, share it with your friends or classmates. You can even write a short story using idioms and read it in class!
Happy learning!
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- 200 Entertainment Words and Phrases in English
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- Mastering English Restaurant Phrases
