Have you ever heard someone say, “It’s raining cats and dogs” and wondered where the animals came from? That’s the magic of idioms! Idioms are fun phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say—but they help us express ideas in a colorful and exciting way.
This idioms worksheet is made just for kids to learn easily, smile often, and enjoy English more every day!
⭐ 1. Number Idioms
Number idioms use numbers to explain ideas in a playful way.
1. A Piece of Cake
Meaning: Something very easy.
Math homework today was a piece of cake.
Tying her shoes was a piece of cake for her.
2. On Cloud Nine
Meaning: Very happy.
He was on cloud nine after winning the prize.
She felt on cloud nine when her teacher smiled.
3. Two Heads Are Better Than One
Meaning: Working together helps.
Two heads are better than one when solving puzzles.
They finished faster by helping each other.
4. Back to Square One
Meaning: Start again.
The sandcastle fell, so they were back to square one.
We went back to square one with the game rules.
5. In the Nick of Time
Meaning: Just in time.
The bell rang in the nick of time.
She reached class in the nick of time.
6. One Step at a Time
Meaning: Go slowly and carefully.
Learn spelling one step at a time.
He fixed the model one step at a time.
7. Third Time’s the Charm
Meaning: Succeeds on the third try.
He missed twice, but the third time’s the charm.
The door finally opened!
8. Zero In On
Meaning: Focus closely.
She zeroed in on the right answer.
He zeroed in on the picture details.
9. At Sixes and Sevens
Meaning: Mixed up or messy.
His room was at sixes and sevens.
The papers were all mixed up.
10. A Million Times
Meaning: Very often.
I’ve told you a million times!
She read her favorite book a million times.
🐾 2. Animal Idioms
Animal idioms make English lively and fun.
1. Busy as a Bee
Meaning: Very busy.
She was busy as a bee cleaning her desk.
The class was busy as bees before the test.
2. The Early Bird Catches the Worm
Meaning: Starting early helps you succeed.
He woke up early and finished first.
The early bird catches the worm!
3. Cat Got Your Tongue?
Meaning: Why are you quiet?
You’re so quiet—cat got your tongue?
He smiled but said nothing.
4. Monkey Around
Meaning: Act silly.
Stop monkeying around in class.
They monkeyed around during recess.
5. Dog Tired
Meaning: Very tired.
After sports day, I was dog tired.
She rested because she was dog tired.
6. Fish Out of Water
Meaning: Feeling uncomfortable.
He felt like a fish out of water at his new school.
New places can feel strange.
7. Butterflies in Your Stomach
Meaning: Feeling nervous.
She had butterflies before her speech.
I felt nervous but excited.
8. Copycat
Meaning: Someone who copies.
Don’t be a copycat—try your own idea.
He laughed when called a copycat.
9. Eagle Eye
Meaning: Very sharp vision.
The teacher has an eagle eye for mistakes.
She spotted the error quickly.
10. Slow as a Snail
Meaning: Very slow.
The line moved slow as a snail.
He walked slow as a snail today.
🌈 3. Everyday Idioms
These idioms are commonly used in daily life.
1. Break a Leg
Meaning: Good luck.
Break a leg at the school play!
Everyone cheered loudly.
2. Hit the Nail on the Head
Meaning: Be exactly right.
You hit the nail on the head.
That answer was perfect!
3. Under the Weather
Meaning: Not feeling well.
She stayed home feeling under the weather.
He rested all afternoon.
4. Spill the Beans
Meaning: Tell a secret.
She spilled the beans about the party.
Everyone gasped!
5. Once in a Blue Moon
Meaning: Happens rarely.
We eat ice cream once in a blue moon.
He visits rarely.
6. Jump to Conclusions
Meaning: Decide too quickly.
Don’t jump to conclusions.
Listen carefully first.
7. Pull Yourself Together
Meaning: Calm down.
Pull yourself together and try again.
She took deep breaths.
8. Cost an Arm and a Leg
Meaning: Very expensive.
That toy costs an arm and a leg!
He saved money instead.
9. Piece of Cake
Meaning: Very easy.
The quiz was a piece of cake.
He finished quickly.
10. Let the Cat Out of the Bag
Meaning: Reveal a secret.
He let the cat out of the bag.
The surprise was spoiled.
🍎 4. Food Idioms
Food idioms are tasty and fun to learn!
1. Cool as a Cucumber
Meaning: Very calm.
She stayed cool as a cucumber.
Nothing upset her.
2. Bad Apple
Meaning: Someone who causes trouble.
One bad apple spoiled the game.
Rules keep things fair.
3. Butter Someone Up
Meaning: Be extra nice.
He buttered up his teacher with praise.
She smiled proudly.
4. In a Pickle
Meaning: In trouble.
He was in a pickle without homework.
She asked for help.
5. Full of Beans
Meaning: Full of energy.
Kids were full of beans at recess.
They ran everywhere.
6. Bread and Butter
Meaning: Basic or main thing.
Reading is the bread and butter of learning.
Practice matters most.
7. Sugarcoat
Meaning: Make something sound nicer.
Don’t sugarcoat the truth.
Honesty helps.
8. Cheesy
Meaning: Too silly.
That joke was cheesy.
Everyone still giggled.
9. Spill the Tea
Meaning: Share gossip.
Friends love to spill the tea.
Secrets spread fast.
10. Piece of Cake
Meaning: Very easy.
Cleaning the table was a piece of cake.
It took only minutes.
🎒 5. School & Learning Idioms
These idioms are often heard in classrooms and while studying.
1. Hit the Books
Meaning: Start studying.
I hit the books before my spelling test.
She hit the books after dinner.
2. Learn by Heart
Meaning: Memorize something.
He learned the poem by heart.
She learned her tables by heart.
3. Top of the Class
Meaning: The best student.
Mia was top of the class in reading.
He worked hard to be top of the class.
4. Bookworm
Meaning: Someone who loves reading.
She is a bookworm who reads every day.
The library is a bookworm’s happy place.
5. Back to the Drawing Board
Meaning: Start again with a new plan.
The project failed, so it was back to the drawing board.
They tried a new idea.
6. Teacher’s Pet
Meaning: A student who is favored.
He wasn’t a teacher’s pet, just helpful.
Being kind matters more.
7. Pass with Flying Colors
Meaning: Do very well.
She passed the test with flying colors.
Everyone clapped for her.
8. By the Book
Meaning: Follow rules exactly.
The class played by the book.
Rules help everyone learn.
9. Show of Hands
Meaning: Vote by raising hands.
The teacher asked for a show of hands.
Most students agreed.
10. Think Outside the Box
Meaning: Be creative.
He thought outside the box for the project.
Creative ideas impressed everyone.
🧠 6. Feelings & Emotions Idioms
These idioms help explain how we feel inside.
1. Over the Moon
Meaning: Extremely happy.
She was over the moon about her gift.
He smiled all day.
2. Down in the Dumps
Meaning: Feeling sad.
He felt down in the dumps after losing.
A hug cheered him up.
3. On Edge
Meaning: Nervous or tense.
She was on edge before the test.
Deep breaths helped her relax.
4. Heart of Gold
Meaning: Very kind.
She has a heart of gold.
Everyone trusts her.
5. Lose Your Cool
Meaning: Get angry.
He lost his cool during the game.
He apologized later.
6. Grin from Ear to Ear
Meaning: Smile a lot.
She grinned from ear to ear.
Good news does that!
7. Bottle Up Feelings
Meaning: Hide emotions.
Don’t bottle up your feelings.
Talking helps.
8. On Pins and Needles
Meaning: Very excited or nervous.
He was on pins and needles waiting.
The results were coming soon.
9. Have a Soft Spot
Meaning: Care deeply about something.
She has a soft spot for animals.
He always helps pets.
10. Smile Through It
Meaning: Stay positive.
She smiled through the hard task.
Her attitude helped others.
🏃 7. Action & Movement Idioms
Idioms that show action, effort, and energy.
1. Get the Ball Rolling
Meaning: Start something.
Let’s get the ball rolling on homework.
The teacher began the discussion.
2. Jump Right In
Meaning: Start quickly.
He jumped right into the game.
No waiting needed!
3. Go the Extra Mile
Meaning: Try harder.
She went the extra mile on her project.
It really showed.
4. Run Out of Steam
Meaning: Lose energy.
I ran out of steam after practice.
Rest time helped.
5. Pick Up the Pace
Meaning: Go faster.
Pick up the pace—we’re late!
They hurried ahead.
6. On the Move
Meaning: Active or busy.
She’s always on the move.
School days are busy!
7. Make a Splash
Meaning: Get attention.
His painting made a splash.
Everyone noticed.
8. Step on It
Meaning: Hurry up.
Step on it—we’re late!
They moved faster.
9. Keep the Ball Rolling
Meaning: Continue something.
Let’s keep the ball rolling.
Learning never stops!
10. Hit the Ground Running
Meaning: Start with energy.
She hit the ground running on day one.
Great start!
🌟 8. Friendship & Social Idioms
These idioms are often used when talking about friends, sharing, and getting along with others.
1. Get Along Like a House on Fire
Meaning: Be very friendly.
They got along like a house on fire from the first day.
Playing together was always fun.
2. Lend a Hand
Meaning: Help someone.
He lent a hand to clean the class.
Helping makes teamwork easier.
3. Best of Both Worlds
Meaning: Enjoy two good things.
Playing and learning gave her the best of both worlds.
He finished early and had fun.
4. Stick Together
Meaning: Stay united.
Friends stick together during tough times.
They worked as one team.
5. On Good Terms
Meaning: Being friendly.
They stayed on good terms after the game.
Kind words help friendships.
6. Break the Ice
Meaning: Make people feel comfortable.
A joke helped break the ice.
Everyone started talking.
7. See Eye to Eye
Meaning: Agree.
They didn’t see eye to eye at first.
Later, they agreed.
8. In Someone’s Shoes
Meaning: Understand how someone feels.
Try walking in someone’s shoes.
It helps build kindness.
9. Have Your Back
Meaning: Support someone.
My friends have my back.
I feel safe with them.
10. Make Up
Meaning: Become friends again.
They made up after arguing.
Smiles returned.
💪 9. Effort, Success & Growth Idioms
Idioms that talk about trying hard and improving.
1. Try Your Best
Meaning: Give full effort.
Always try your best in class.
Effort matters.
2. Rise to the Occasion
Meaning: Do well when needed.
She rose to the occasion during the test.
Confidence helped.
3. Keep Your Chin Up
Meaning: Stay positive.
Keep your chin up—you’ll succeed.
Smiles help!
4. Learn the Ropes
Meaning: Learn how things work.
He’s learning the ropes of school.
Practice helps.
5. On the Right Track
Meaning: Doing well.
Her reading skills are on the right track.
Keep going!
6. Reach for the Stars
Meaning: Dream big.
Reach for the stars in life.
Big dreams inspire!
7. Make Progress
Meaning: Improve slowly.
He made progress in math.
Every step counts.
8. Bounce Back
Meaning: Recover from a mistake.
She bounced back after failing.
Mistakes help us learn.
9. Build Up Skills
Meaning: Improve abilities.
Practice builds up skills.
Learning takes time.
10. Stay Focused
Meaning: Pay attention.
Stay focused during lessons.
It helps you learn faster.
🏡 10. Home & Daily Life Idioms
Idioms used in everyday family life.
1. Home Sweet Home
Meaning: Loving your home.
After vacation, it felt like home sweet home.
Nothing feels better.
2. Like Clockwork
Meaning: Happens regularly.
Dinner happens like clockwork.
Routine helps.
3. Hit the Sack
Meaning: Go to sleep.
I hit the sack early.
Tomorrow is busy!
4. In Hot Water
Meaning: In trouble.
He was in hot water for breaking rules.
He said sorry.
5. On the House
Meaning: Free.
The extra cookie was on the house.
Smiles all around.
6. Clean as a Whistle
Meaning: Very clean.
Her room was clean as a whistle.
Great job!
7. Around the Corner
Meaning: Happening soon.
The holiday is around the corner.
Everyone is excited.
8. Make Yourself at Home
Meaning: Feel comfortable.
Make yourself at home.
Relax and enjoy.
9. Every Now and Then
Meaning: Sometimes.
We eat treats every now and then.
Balance is good.
10. Settle Down
Meaning: Calm down.
Settle down and listen.
Quiet voices help.
🎉 11. Fun, Games & Play Idioms
These idioms make playtime extra exciting.
1. Have a Blast
Meaning: Have lots of fun.
The party was a blast.
Everyone laughed.
2. Join the Fun
Meaning: Take part.
Come join the fun!
Everyone is welcome.
3. Just for Fun
Meaning: Not serious.
It was just for fun.
No worries!
4. Play It Safe
Meaning: Be careful.
He played it safe on the slide.
Safety first!
5. Win Big
Meaning: Do very well.
She won big in the game.
Cheers everywhere.
6. A Blast from the Past
Meaning: Something from long ago.
That game was a blast from the past.
Fun memories!
7. Lighten Up
Meaning: Don’t be so serious.
Lighten up and smile.
Fun helps!
8. Join the Club
Meaning: Others feel the same.
You’re tired? Join the club!
We all laughed.
9. Go All Out
Meaning: Try very hard.
They went all out for the show.
It paid off.
10. Take Turns
Meaning: Share fairly.
Remember to take turns.
Sharing is kind.
🌈 12. Thinking & Smart Choices Idioms
These idioms help kids talk about thinking carefully and making good decisions.
1. Put Your Thinking Cap On
Meaning: Get ready to think.
Put your thinking cap on for this puzzle.
She thought hard and found the answer.
2. Use Your Head
Meaning: Think smartly.
Use your head before you speak.
He used his head and solved it.
3. Read Between the Lines
Meaning: Understand the hidden meaning.
She read between the lines of the story.
The clue was not written clearly.
4. Make Up Your Mind
Meaning: Decide.
Make up your mind about the game.
He chose quickly.
5. Go with Your Gut
Meaning: Trust your feelings.
She went with her gut and answered.
It felt right.
6. Think Ahead
Meaning: Plan early.
Think ahead before packing your bag.
He planned for tomorrow.
7. Put Two and Two Together
Meaning: Understand by thinking.
She put two and two together.
The mystery was solved.
8. Have a Brainwave
Meaning: Get a smart idea.
He had a brainwave during art class.
Everyone liked it.
9. Weigh Your Options
Meaning: Think before choosing.
She weighed her options carefully.
Both choices were good.
10. Figure It Out
Meaning: Solve a problem.
He figured it out at last.
Practice helped.
🎯 13. Time & Waiting Idioms
These idioms are about clocks, patience, and timing.
1. Time Flies
Meaning: Time goes fast.
Time flies when you’re having fun.
The day ended quickly.
2. In No Time
Meaning: Very quickly.
She finished in no time.
It was easy.
3. At the Last Minute
Meaning: Almost too late.
He finished at the last minute.
Just in time!
4. Bide Your Time
Meaning: Wait patiently.
She bided her time quietly.
Waiting paid off.
5. Around the Clock
Meaning: All the time.
Mom worked around the clock.
She was very busy.
6. Time Is Up
Meaning: No time left.
Time is up—pencils down!
The test ended.
7. Take Your Time
Meaning: Go slowly.
Take your time reading.
No rush!
8. Ahead of Time
Meaning: Early.
He arrived ahead of time.
Good planning!
9. In Due Time
Meaning: Eventually.
You’ll learn it in due time.
Practice helps.
10. Beat the Clock
Meaning: Finish before time ends.
She beat the clock on her project.
Great job!
👨👩👧 14. Family & Caring Idioms
These idioms focus on love, care, and helping others.
1. Runs in the Family
Meaning: Common in family members.
Kindness runs in the family.
Everyone agreed.
2. Take Care of
Meaning: Look after.
She took care of her brother.
He felt safe.
3. Lend an Ear
Meaning: Listen carefully.
Mom lent an ear to my story.
It felt nice.
4. From the Bottom of Your Heart
Meaning: Sincerely.
She thanked him from the bottom of her heart.
It was honest.
5. Be There for Someone
Meaning: Support someone.
Friends are there for each other.
Support matters.
6. Hold Someone’s Hand
Meaning: Help or guide.
Dad held my hand crossing the road.
I felt calm.
7. Big-Hearted
Meaning: Very kind.
She is big-hearted and helpful.
Everyone likes her.
8. Treat Someone Like Family
Meaning: Care deeply.
They treated me like family.
I felt welcome.
9. Give a Helping Hand
Meaning: Help out.
He gave a helping hand cleaning.
Teamwork worked.
10. Look After Each Other
Meaning: Care for one another.
The class looked after each other.
It felt good.
🎉 15. Fun Expressions Kids Love
These idioms are playful and easy to use.
1. All Ears
Meaning: Listening carefully.
I’m all ears!
Tell me more.
2. Piece of Pie
Meaning: Very easy.
The game was a piece of pie.
He won fast.
3. Cool Beans
Meaning: That’s great!
Cool beans! Let’s play.
Everyone smiled.
4. Yikes!
Meaning: Surprise or worry.
Yikes! That was loud.
He laughed.
5. Fingers Crossed
Meaning: Hoping for luck.
Fingers crossed for good news.
She waited.
6. Just Like That
Meaning: Easily or quickly.
It was done just like that!
Amazing!
7. No Sweat
Meaning: No problem.
Homework? No sweat!
He was confident.
8. You Bet
Meaning: Yes, for sure.
You bet I’ll help!
He nodded.
9. Hang In There
Meaning: Don’t give up.
Hang in there—you’re close!
She kept going.
10. Way to Go
Meaning: Good job.
Way to go on your test!
Everyone cheered.
🎯 Conclusion
Learning idioms doesn’t have to be confusing or boring—and this idioms worksheet proves exactly that. By exploring colorful expressions through clear meanings and kid-friendly examples, children can understand how English really works beyond simple definitions. Idioms help kids sound more confident, creative, and natural when they speak, read, or write.
With regular practice, these worksheets build strong vocabulary habits, improve reading comprehension, and encourage curious thinking. Whether used at school or at home, an idioms worksheet turns learning into an enjoyable adventure—helping young learners grow their language skills while having fun every step of the way. Keep exploring, keep practicing, and watch language come alive! 🌟
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