Idioms, Adages & Proverbs — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. "A penny for your thoughts" means asking someone what they are thinking.
The word "thoughts" completes this idiom because "a penny for your thoughts" is a playful way to ask a quiet person to share what is on their mind.
2. "Barking up the wrong tree" means pursuing a mistaken idea.
"Tree" completes this idiom, which pictures a dog barking at the wrong tree while the squirrel escaped up a different one -- meaning you are chasing a mistaken idea.
3. "Rome wasn't built in a day" teaches that worthwhile things take time.
"Day" finishes this proverb because Rome took centuries to build, reminding us that big accomplishments cannot be rushed.
4. "The grass is always greener on the other side" means people envy what others have.
"Side" completes this proverb because the image of a neighbor's lawn looking greener captures how people tend to envy what others have instead of appreciating their own.
5. "You can't judge a book by its cover" warns against judging by appearances.
"Cover" fits because a book's outer appearance tells you nothing about the story inside, just as a person's looks do not reveal their true character.
6. "Curiosity killed the cat" warns against being too nosy.
"Cat" completes this proverb because cats are naturally curious creatures, and the saying warns that being excessively nosy can lead to trouble.
7. "Hold your horses" means to slow down and be patient.
"Horses" completes this idiom because it pictures a rider pulling back the reins to slow down, meaning you should be patient and not act too quickly.
8. "No pain, no gain" means effort is needed to succeed.
"Gain" completes this proverb because it pairs with "pain" to teach that you must push through difficulty and effort before you can enjoy success.
9. "When it rains, it pours" means problems tend to come all at once.
"Pours" finishes this proverb because rain turning into a downpour illustrates how problems rarely come one at a time -- they tend to pile up all at once.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
Get cold feet
→ Idiom (become too scared)
Idiom (accomplish two tasks at once)
An apple a day keeps the doctor away
→ Proverb (healthy habits)
Proverb (healthy habits)
Kill two birds with one stone
→ Idiom (accomplish two tasks at once)
Adage (similar people group together)
Birds of a feather flock together
→ Adage (similar people group together)
Idiom (become too scared)
Correct matches: Get cold feet → Idiom (become too scared); An apple a day keeps the doctor away → Proverb (healthy habits); Kill two birds with one stone → Idiom (accomplish two tasks at once); Birds of a feather flock together → Adage (similar people group together).