Idiom Detectives Packet
Idiom Detectives
Figurative Language Investigation
Name:
Date:
Detective Tip: An idiom is a phrase that does not mean what the words say. Look for words in the story that give you clues about how the person feels or what is happening!
1
Case #1: The Spelling Test
Story #1
Leo was nervous about his Friday spelling test. He practiced his five words every night with his dad. When Mrs. Green gave out the test paper, Leo looked at the words and smiled. They were very easy! "This test is a piece of cake," Leo thought. He wrote down each answer quickly.
A. What is the mystery idiom?
Find and write the phrase from the story:
B. Clue words in the story:
Write 2 words that show how the test felt:
C. What does the idiom in the story really mean? (Fill in the circle)
A sweet snack to eat
Very easy to do
Hard and confusing
2
Case #2: Rainy Morning
Story #2
Maya woke up with a warm head and a sore throat. She did not want to eat her warm toast. Mom felt Maya's forehead and handed her a glass of cold water. "You look under the weather today," Mom said softly. "You should stay home in bed and get some rest."
A. What is the mystery idiom?
Find and write the phrase from the story:
B. Clue words in the story:
Write 2 clues that show how Maya feels:
C. What does the idiom in the story really mean? (Fill in the circle)
Standing in the rain
Sick or not feeling well
Happy and playing
Idiom Detectives • Figurative Language Packet Page 1 of 4
Idiom Detectives
Cases #3 & #4
Name:
3
Case #3: The Big Concert
Story #3
Ben waited backstage at the school music show. It was his turn to play the drums on the big stage. His hands felt cold, and his heart was beating fast. "I have butterflies in my stomach," Ben whispered to his friend. Then, Ben took one slow, deep breath and stepped up to the drums.
A. What is the mystery idiom?
Find and write the phrase from the story:
B. Clue words in the story:
Write 2 clues that show how Ben's body felt:
C. What does the idiom in the story really mean? (Fill in the circle)
Real bugs inside your body
Feeling nervous or excited
Being hungry for lunch
4
Case #4: The Stormy Morning
Story #4
Max looked out the window before school. Big drops of water hit the glass with a loud thud. The street had deep puddles everywhere. "It is raining cats and dogs today!" Dad said. Dad handed Max two umbrellas and pulled out his yellow rain boots.
A. What is the mystery idiom?
Find and write the phrase from the story:
B. Clue words in the story:
Write 2 clues that show how the weather looked:
C. What does the idiom in the story really mean? (Fill in the circle)
Animals falling from the sky
Raining very, very hard
A sunny, warm day
Idiom Detectives • Figurative Language Packet Page 2 of 4
Idiom Detectives
Cases #5 & #6
Name:
5
Case #5: The Blue Ribbon
Story #5
Emma checked the art contest board in the school hall. Her painting had a shiny first-place blue ribbon pinned to it! Emma jumped up with a giant smile and cheered. "I am on cloud nine today!" Emma yelled as she ran to tell her best friend.
A. What is the mystery idiom?
Find and write the phrase from the story:
B. Clue words in the story:
Write 2 clues that show how Emma felt:
C. What does the idiom in the story really mean? (Fill in the circle)
Flying in an airplane
Extremely happy and proud
Looking at white clouds
6
Case #6: The Secret Party
Story #6
Lucas and his sister planned a surprise birthday party for Grandma. They hid the cake and balloons in the back room. When Grandma walked in, Lucas almost smiled and spoke. Sister tapped his shoulder and whispered, "Do not spill the beans!"
A. What is the mystery idiom?
Find and write the phrase from the story:
B. Clue words in the story:
Write 2 clues that show this was a secret:
C. What does the idiom in the story really mean? (Fill in the circle)
Drop food on the floor
Tell a secret to someone
Cook dinner for friends
Idiom Detectives • Figurative Language Packet Page 3 of 4
Idiom Detectives
Cases #7 & #8 • Final Investigations
Name:
7
Case #7: Space Science Quiz
Story #7
Cole wanted to earn an A on his science quiz tomorrow. He turned off the television and put away his games. Cole sat quietly at his desk with his pencil and opened chapter four. "Time to hit the books," Cole told his brother before he began to read.
A. What is the mystery idiom?
Find and write the phrase from the story:
B. Clue words in the story:
Write 2 clues that show Cole is working:
C. What does the idiom in the story really mean? (Fill in the circle)
Slap a book with your hand
Study and read to learn
Go to sleep in bed
8
Case #8: The Toy Robot
Story #8
Noah saw a shiny remote-control robot at the store. He picked up the box and looked at the price tag. It said one hundred dollars! Dad shook his head and placed the toy back on the shelf. "That robot costs an arm and a leg," Dad told Noah.
A. What is the mystery idiom?
Find and write the phrase from the story:
B. Clue words in the story:
Write 2 clues about the cost of the toy:
C. What does the idiom in the story really mean? (Fill in the circle)
Hurting your body parts
Very expensive / costs a lot
A free gift for someone
Detective Rank: Master Case Solver!
All 8 cases solved: Complete
Idiom Detectives • Figurative Language Packet Page 4 of 4
