Sayings Spotlight Anchor Chart
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.5.b Grade 5 Reference Guide
Idioms, Adages & Proverbs
Figurative Language Anchor Chart
1
IDIOM
— A colorful expression
Key: NOT Literal
A phrase that means something completely different from what the literal words say.
Clue: Sounds silly or impossible if taken word-for-word. Understood by culture, not word definitions.
"Let the cat out of the bag"
Meaning: Accidentally revealed a secret or surprise.
"By the skin of his teeth"
Meaning: Just barely succeeded by the narrowest margin.
2
ADAGE
— An accepted truth
Key: General Truth
A short, memorable saying that expresses an accepted truth about life or human nature.
Clue: Think "aged" wisdom. Gives you something to think about; people have found it true over time.
"Don't judge a book by its cover"
Meaning: Do not judge the value of someone or something solely by appearance.
"Many hands make light work"
Meaning: A big task becomes much easier when people cooperate and help.
3
PROVERB
— Words of advice
Key: Gives Advice
A traditional saying handed down through time that offers advice or teaches a moral lesson.
Clue: Think Proverb = Practical advice. Handed down; unknown original author.
"A chain is only as strong as its weakest link"
Meaning: An entire group or plan can fail if one part is not dependable.
"All that glitters is not gold"
Meaning: Things that look attractive on the surface may not be genuine.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Quick Check Guide
| Type | What is its purpose? | Ask Yourself: |
|---|
| Idiom | To express an idea colorfully without being literal | "Would this sound ridiculous if it literally happened?" |
| Adage | To state an accepted observation or truth about life | "Is this describing an accepted truth about how the world works?" |
| Proverb | To give practical advice or teach a moral lesson | "Is this telling me how I should act or make choices?" |
Remember: Proverbs and adages are very close cousins! A proverb that has been repeated for generations is often also called an adage. When in doubt, look for advice (Proverb) vs. an observation of truth (Adage).
Daily Wisdom Bellwork Sheet
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.5.b • Weekly Bellwork
Name: Week Of:
Daily Wisdom: 4-Day Bellwork Practice
1 Page • Tuesday through Friday
TUE
Idioms Focus
Not Literal
1. Meaning in Context: Before the championship, Coach yelled, "Don't worry team, victory is in the bag!" What does "in the bag" mean?
2. Literal vs. Figurative: Why would it be silly if someone took "we don't see eye to eye" literally?
(A) It would mean two people physically cannot stare into each other's eyeballs.
(B) It would mean both students agree completely on the same answer.
Idiom Rule: Words mean something totally different than what they say!
WED
Adages Focus
Accepted Truth
1. Explain the Truth: Cleaning the cafeteria took only 5 minutes after 8 helpers showed up. Explain why "Many hands make light work" is true:
2. Application: Which scenario best matches "Don't judge a book by its cover"?
(A) Jordan bought a video game only because he liked the box art.
(B) A dusty, dented car turned out to be the fastest vehicle in the race.
Adage Rule: States a widely accepted observation about life or human nature.
THU
Proverbs Focus
Life Advice
1. Moral Advice: When Leo struck out, he blamed the bat. His grandpa said, "A bad workman always blames his tools." What lesson is his grandpa teaching?
2. Advice Meaning: What advice does "A ship at harbor is safe, but that's not what a ship is for" give?
(A) Stepping out of your comfort zone helps you achieve your true purpose.
(B) Staying safe in harbor is the most important goal for any captain.
Proverb Rule: Hands down practical advice or moral lessons for behavior.
FRI
Analyze & Review
Distinguish Types
1. Slide Challenge: "Two wrongs don't make a right." Is this an adage or a proverb? Explain your thinking:
(Idiom, Adage, or Proverb):
