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.

Bob’s Job

Homework, I Love You

I Rode a Rainbow Unicorn

When Chemists Die, They Barium

The Size of Yankee Stadium

A Pair of Potatoes Were Talking

My Brother’s a Genius

The Armpit of Doom

A Shark is a Pet

If You Ever Meet an Elephant

The Dragons of Monster Town

Forty Purple Porpoises

Zzzzz