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.

The Life of a Pirate Ain’t Easy

Sleeping Santa

My Dog Likes to Dig

On Halloween Night

Bob’s Job

My World Is Turning Downside-Up

My Mother Drives Me Everywhere

I Finished My Homework

The Armpit of Doom

Homework, I Love You

A Sad and Lonely Cyclops

Calling all Kids!

Crazy Over Vegetables

Foolish Fiona

I’m Super Excited

When Chemists Die, They Barium

Zzzzz

My Chicken’s On the Internet

Steve the Superhero

Stumblebum Stan

Everything We Learn at School

My Brother’s a Genius

How Did You Get So Mean?

Our Family Picnic