Crack the Code

This engaging figurative language worksheet helps students strengthen reading comprehension, inferential reasoning, vocabulary development, and close reading skills by analyzing idioms in context. Students read short passages with idiomatic expressions in bold-such as bite off more than he could chew and cry over spilled milk-and use surrounding clues to determine each phrase’s figurative meaning.

Learning Goals

• Figurative Language Analysis – Students identify idioms and interpret their non-literal meanings.
• Reading Comprehension & Inference – Learners use context clues to infer meaning rather than relying on memorization.
• Vocabulary & Context Clues – The activity builds understanding of common expressions and how they function in text.
• Writing for Understanding – Students explain meanings in their own words, reinforcing comprehension and retention.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to support elementary and upper elementary ELA standards.
• Close Reading Practice – Bolded idioms guide students to focus on key language features.
• Supports Diverse Learners – Helpful for English learners and students new to figurative language.
• Flexible Classroom Use – Ideal for independent work, guided reading, small groups, or assessment.
• Low-Prep Printable – Ready to use in classroom and homeschool settings.

This printable worksheet gives students meaningful practice with idioms, contextual analysis, and inferential thinking. By “cracking the code” of figurative expressions, learners gain confidence interpreting language beyond its literal meaning. Whether used in a classroom lesson or a homeschool environment, this activity supports stronger reading comprehension, richer vocabulary knowledge, and clearer written explanations.

This worksheet is part of our Idioms collection.