poetic device: Idioms

An idiom is a common expression that has a different meaning than the literal meaning of the words. For example, to say that someone “kicked the bucket” means that they died, not that they actually kicked a bucket, and to describe something as “a piece of cake” means it is very easy, not a literal slice of cake.

Each of these poems include at least one idiom, often in the final line of the poem, but sometimes more. See if you can find the idioms in each of these poems.

Sleeping Santa

My Dog Likes to Dig

I Finished My Homework

On Halloween Night

Bob’s Job

My Mother Drives Me Everywhere

My World Is Turning Downside-Up

The Armpit of Doom

Homework, I Love You

Crazy Over Vegetables

Calling all Kids!

A Sad and Lonely Cyclops

Foolish Fiona

I’m Super Excited

Zzzzz

When Chemists Die, They Barium

My Chicken’s On the Internet

Steve the Superhero

Everything We Learn at School

My Brother’s a Genius

Stumblebum Stan

How Did You Get So Mean?

Our Family Picnic

A Shark is a Pet