Idioms for Kids
A good example of an English idiom is the phrase:
It’s raining cats and dogs.
Idioms like ❛its’s raining cats and dogs❜, which means ❛it’s raining very hard❜, are phrases or sayings that have taken on special meanings over time - meanings that are often very different from the individual words that they contain. In fact, you often can’t even guess what the meanings of idioms are. This makes them challenging but also very interesting, fascinating and even fun to learn. Below, you will find a list of 5 English idioms for kids to look at and discuss:
1. a piece of cake
You use the English idiom ❛a piece of cake❜ to say that something is ❛very easy❜. Here are two examples using this expression:
Spelling the word ❛flower❜ is a piece of cake.
However, spelling the word ❛chrysanthemum❜ is not a piece of cake.
Is there something that you think is ❛a piece of cake❜? Playing soccer? Learning math?
2. as fresh as a daisy
When you are ❛as fresh as a daisy❜, you are ❛full of energy and enthusiasm❜. Here are two examples using this English idiom:
When Maida gets up in the morning, she is as fresh as a daisy.
Our English teacher is always as fresh as a daisy.
Are you ❛as fresh as a daisy❜ when you get up in the morning? What about when you arrive at school?
3. man’s best friend
❛Man’s best friend❜ is the ❛dog❜. Here are two examples using this English expression:
Cats are nice, but I prefer man’s best friend.
Yesterday, Lena watched a film on man’s best friend.
What kind of animal do you like best? Why do you think dogs are called ❛man’s best friend❜?
4. the icing on the cake
The English idiom ❛the icing on the cake❜ is ❛something that makes a good situation even better❜ - just like how real icing makes a good cake taste even better! Here are two examples using this expression:
I like school, but learning math with Mr. Enkel is the icing on the cake.
I was happy to move to our neighborhood. Having a playground across the street was the icing on the cake.
What could you describe as being ❛the icing on the cake❜ about going to your school?
5. to have ants in your pants
If you ❛have ants in your pants❜, you are ❛not able to sit still❜ because you are excited or worried about something. Here are two examples using this English idiom:
Donald had ants in pants because he knew that he had to make a presentation at school.
Hana had ants in her pants because she couldn’t wait for the arrival of her grandma and grandpa.
Do people who are nervous or excited about something really look like they ❛have ants in their pants❜?
Now, try this idiom QUIZ for kids!
See what kids can do when they combine English idioms and art in the following video on the Kids' English Idiom Art Contest 2012: