Worksheet: Idiomatic Expressions

Part 1: Match the Idiom to Its Meaning

Below are some idiomatic expressions. Match each one to its correct meaning by writing the corresponding letter in the blank.

  1. Hit the nail on the head: ______
  2. Bite the bullet: ______
  3. Burn the midnight oil: ______
  4. Throw in the towel: ______
  5. Go the extra mile: ______
  6. Break the ice: ______

A. To do more than what is expected to achieve something.
B. To work very late into the night.
C. To make people feel comfortable in a social situation.
D. To accept something difficult or unpleasant.
E. To give up or admit defeat.
F. To say something that is exactly right or accurate.

Part 2: Fill in the Gaps

Complete the sentences below using the correct idiom from Part 1.

  1. When the manager finally praised my idea, I knew I had ________________________.
  2. She decided to ________________________ and have a difficult conversation with her boss.
  3. After trying to fix the project for weeks, the team had to ________________________ and start over.
  4. He was so determined to meet the deadline that he ________________________ for three nights in a row.
  5. The new teacher told a joke at the beginning of class to ________________________.
  6. If you want to impress the client, you’ll need to ________________________ and present something truly unique.

Part 3: Share Your Own Ideas

Write one or two sentences using the idioms below. Be creative!

 

Hit the nail on the head:

 

Burn the midnight oil:

Double-edged sword

Rolling out of bed

Tough pill to swallow

Backbone

Pulling your hair out

One-size-fits-all

Always-on culture

A blessing and a curse

Breaking down barriers

Return to Lesson Plan Main Page