Idioms, Adages & Proverbs — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Carlos moved to a new school and felt out of place. His mom said, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." What did she mean?
A) They should plan a trip to Rome soon
B) Carlos should follow the customs and habits of his new school
C) Carlos should teach everyone his old school's rules
D) Roman students always feel comfortable at new schools
The correct answer is B) Carlos should follow the customs and habits of his new school. Carlos moved to a new school and felt out of place. His mom said, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." What did she mean — the answer is Carlos should follow the customs and habits of his new school.
2. Aisha wanted both the lead role in the play and captain of the soccer team, but rehearsals and practices were at the same time. Her dad said, "You can't have your cake and eat it too." What did he mean?
A) Aisha should eat cake to feel better
B) Aisha cannot enjoy two things that conflict with each other
C) Aisha should quit both activities immediately
D) Cake is not allowed at soccer practice
The correct answer is B) Aisha cannot enjoy two things that conflict with each other. Aisha wanted both the lead role in the play and captain of the soccer team, but rehearsals and practices were at the same time. Her dad said, "You can't have your cake and eat it too." What did he mean — the answer is Aisha cannot enjoy two things that conflict with each other.
3. Ethan kept checking the clock during a boring class. His friend whispered, "A watched pot never boils." What does this adage mean in this context?
A) Ethan should boil water for an experiment
B) Staring at the clock will not make time pass faster
C) The classroom pot is broken
D) Ethan's friend wants to cook lunch
The correct answer is B) Staring at the clock will not make time pass faster. Ethan kept checking the clock during a boring class. His friend whispered, "A watched pot never boils." What does this adage mean in this context — the answer is Staring at the clock will not make time pass faster.
4. Nina invested all her allowance in one collectible card. Her older sister warned, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." What lesson was she giving?
A) Eggs are fragile and break easily in baskets
B) Nina should buy a better basket for her eggs
C) Nina should spread her money across different things to reduce risk
D) Collectible cards are always a bad purchase
The correct answer is C) Nina should spread her money across different things to reduce risk. Nina invested all her allowance in one collectible card. Her older sister warned, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." What lesson was she giving — the answer is Nina should spread her money across different things to reduce risk.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. "Barking up the wrong tree" means you are following the wrong lead or idea.
The idiom "barking up the wrong tree" compares someone to a dog barking at a tree where the prey already escaped, so "lead" fits because it means pursuing a mistaken direction.
2. "A penny for your thoughts" is an idiom used to ask someone what they are thinking.
"Thinking" fits because "a penny for your thoughts" is a gentle, light-hearted way of asking a quiet or daydreaming person to share what is going on in their mind.
3. "Beggars can't be choosers" teaches that people in need should be grateful for any help offered.
"Grateful" fits because this proverb teaches that when you truly need help, you should appreciate whatever is offered rather than demanding something better.
4. "A blessing in disguise" means something bad that turns out to be good.
"Good" fits because a "blessing in disguise" describes an event that seems negative at first but eventually leads to a positive outcome, like a cancelled trip that keeps you safe from a storm.
5. "Throw in the towel" is an idiom that means to stop trying.
"Stop" fits because "throw in the towel" comes from boxing, where a trainer tosses a towel into the ring to signal the fighter should stop and surrender the match.