Distinguish Literal and Nonliteral Meanings of Words and Phrases: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.5.A - Common Core: 3rd Grade English Language Arts

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Question

The sentence below has a nonliteral meaning. Select the answer that is this sentence's literal meaning.

It's raining cats and dogs outside!

Answer

"Raining cats and dogs" is an expression used to describe rain. It means that the rain is really coming down hard, or that it's pouring down rain.

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Question

The sentence below has a nonliteral meaning. Select the answer that is this sentence's literal meaning.

The ground is as dry as a bone.

Answer

The phrase “as dry as a bone” means to be very dry. In the original sentence, this phrase is being used to describe the ground. Thus, the correct answer is “The ground is very dry.”

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Question

The sentence below has a nonliteral meaning. Select the answer that is this sentence's literal meaning.

It was like pulling teeth to get Brittany to do her homework.

Answer

The phrase “like pulling teeth” means something is very difficult. Thus, “It was very difficult to get Brittany to do her homework.” is the correct answer.

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Question

The sentence below has a nonliteral meaning. Select the answer that is this sentence's literal meaning.

As I was talking to the class, my words were going in one ear and out the other.

Answer

The phrase “in one ear and out the other” means to not be paying attention or to not be listening. The correct answer is, “As I was talking to the class, the students weren’t listening."

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Question

The sentence below has a nonliteral meaning. Select the answer that is this sentence's literal meaning.

Blin had to pull strings to get his son the job.

Answer

The phrase “pull strings” means to ask a favor. The correct answer is “Blin had to ask a favor to get his son the job.”

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Question

The sentence below has a nonliteral meaning. Select the answer that is this sentence's literal meaning.

Kaitlyn is going to have to hit the books if she wants to ace her test.

Answer

The phrase “hit the books” means to study hard. The correct answer is, “Kaitlyn is going to have to study hard if she wants to ace the test.”

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Question

The sentence below has a nonliteral meaning. Select the answer that is this sentence's literal meaning.

I’m tired, so I’m going to hit the hay.

Answer

The phrase “hit the hay” means to go to bed. “I’m going to go to bed.” is the correct answer.

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Question

The sentence below has a nonliteral meaning. Select the answer that is this sentence's literal meaning.

My mom warned me not to spill the beans to my sister and ruin her surprise party.

Answer

The phrase “spill the beans” means to share or reveal a secret. The correct answer is “My mom warned me not to talk about the surprise party to my sister.”

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Question

The sentence below has a nonliteral meaning. Select the answer that is this sentence's literal meaning.

My dad is an excellent gardener. He has a green thumb.

Answer

The phrase “green thumb” means to grow plants well. The correct answer is, “My dad is an excellent gardener. He is able to grow plants well.”

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Question

The sentence below has a nonliteral meaning. Select the answer that is this sentence's literal meaning.

Maggie came over to my house to chill out.

Answer

The phrase “chill out” means to relax. “Maggie came over to my house to relax.”

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Question

The sentence below has a nonliteral meaning. Select the answer that is this sentence's literal meaning.

Mike is bending over backward to help his mom on Mother’s Day.

Answer

The phrase “bending over backward” means to try really hard to help. The correct answer is, “Mike is trying very hard to help his mom on Mother’s Day.”

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