Language Gems

Proverbs, Idioms, and Metaphors Language are full of hidden treasures, and this unit uncovers the richness of proverbs, idioms, and metaphors. These expressions add color and depth to communication, shaping stories and conveying deeper meanings.

Mission 1. Exploring Hidden Meaning in Language

Read the conversation provided carefully and pay close attention to the phrases used. As you read, try to identify any expressions that don’t mean exactly what the words suggest.

Rafi, Gama, and Tiara are sitting in class when their teacher announces a surprise test. Teacher: "Alright, class! Put your books away. It’s time for a pop quiz!" Gama: "I didn’t study at all! I am in hot water!" Tiara: "You’re not literally in hot water, Gama. But yeah, good luck with that!" Rafi: "Well, Gama, maybe you should have hit the books instead of hitting the snooze button this morning!" Gama: "Ugh, I was planning to study last night, but my cousin came over, and we ended up watching movies. Then my mom found out, and she hit the roof!" Tiara: "Wait, your mom hit the roof? Like, she climbed up and punched it?" Rafi: "No, no! That means she got really mad!" Tiara: "Ohhh, okay. So… Gama was supposed to study, but he dropped the ball, and now he’s feeling the heat." Gama: "Exactly! And now I have to take this quiz! My brain is already fried!" Rafi: "Don’t worry, Gama! Just take a deep breath. I’ll help you study after school so next time you can ace the test instead of digging yourself into a hole." Tiara: "Wow, look at us using all these idioms! This class is actually a piece of cake!" Gama: "Yeah, sure. But right now, I feel like I’m up the creek without a paddle." Rafi: "Well, you made your bed, now you have to lie in it!" Tiara: "Alright, enough chit-chat! Let’s just get this test over with. The sooner we start, the sooner we finish!" Teacher: "Exactly, Tiara! Now… get to work!"

Questions to answer:

• Why do you think people use idioms instead of just saying things literally? • Why did Gama say, "I am in hot water" when the teacher announced the surprise test? • Which idiom from the conversation would confuse you the most? Why? • Imagine a situation where "up the creek without a paddle" would be a good way to describe how someone feels.

Mission 2. Uncover the Meaning

Look through the conversation from Mission 1, then underline or highlight all the idioms you discover. Before looking them up, try to interpret their meanings using the context as your guide.

Idiom	Meaning

Mission 3. Idioms in Poetry

Read the poem carefully and identify the idioms hidden within it. Underline or highlight each idiom you find, then write what you think it means in your own words. Finally, answer the reflection questions by discussing how idioms enhance poetry, making it more engaging and meaningful.

A Dream Deferred

by Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up Like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore— And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over— like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags Like a heavy load. Or does it explode?

Identify the idioms:

Idiom	Meaning

Reflection questions:

• What do you think the poet means by "a dream deferred"? How does this relate to real life? • What do the idioms in the poem suggest about delayed dreams or goals? • Why do you think Langston Hughes used such strong comparisons? • How would the poem feel different if it were written in a more literal way without idioms?

Mission 4. The Idiom Puzzle

Read each sentence carefully and select the correct idiom from the word bank to complete the blank. Write the chosen idiom in the space provided, then explain its meaning based on the context of the sentence.

Idiom Bank

• Hit the nail on the head
• Spill the beans
• Bite the bullet
• A piece of cake
• Once in a blue moon
• Under the weather
• A blessing in disguise
• Break the ice
• The ball is in your court
• Burn the midnight oil

The Big Day

Rafi had been feeling (1) __________ all week. He had a big speech to deliver in front of his whole school, and he was nervous. To prepare, he (2) __________ every night, practicing his lines in front of the mirror until he could say them perfectly. On the morning of the speech, he woke up feeling (3) __________. He was so nervous that he could barely eat breakfast. His best friend, Tiara, tried to help him relax. “Don’t worry,” she said. “Public speaking is (4) __________ if you just stay calm.” When Rafi got to school, he was still anxious. Gama noticed and said, “You should tell a joke before you start—just to (5) __________.” Rafi decided to take his advice. Finally, it was time for the speech. As he stood in front of the crowd, he took a deep breath. He started with a joke, and when the audience laughed, he felt a little better. He (6) __________ and delivered his speech perfectly! After he finished, the principal shook his hand. “You really (7) __________ with that speech,” she said. “You were clear, confident, and inspiring.” Later that afternoon, Tiara said, “See? I told you it would go well. You were worried for nothing.” Rafi smiled and said, “Yeah, I guess it was (8) __________ after all!”

Mission 5. Grammar in Poetry

Read the two poems carefully and identify all the verbs and modal verbs used. Underline or highlight them as you find them. Then, categorize each verb into one of the following groups: Present Simple, Present Continuous, Future Tense, or Modals. Pay attention to how these verbs shape the meaning and flow of the poem.

• Present simple:

• Modal verbs:

• Present continuous:

• Future tense:

Mission 6. The Modal Mission

Read the conversation below and fill in each blank with the correct modal verb from the word bank. Consider the meaning of each sentence, does it express possibility, ability, obligation, permission, or advice? Choose the most appropriate modal verb based on the context.

Word bank

• Can
• Shall
• Could
• Should
• May
• Will
• Might
• Would
• Must

Planning a Trip

Agung: Hey guys, where do you think we (1) ______ go this weekend? I was thinking of a beach trip! Rahman: That sounds fun! But we (2) ______ check the weather first. It (3) ______ rain. Putri: Yeah, we (4) ______ bring an umbrella just in case! Agung: Good idea. Also, we (5) ______ leave early in the morning so we don’t get stuck in traffic. Rahman: Agreed! But do you think we (6) ______ book a hotel in advance? Putri: I think we (7) ______ because it’s the weekend, and hotels (8) ______ be fully booked. Agung: Okay, I (9) ______ call a few places later and see if they have rooms available. Rahman: Thanks! Oh, and we (10) ______ decide what to pack. Do you think we (11) ______ bring food, or will we eat at restaurants? Putri: Maybe a bit of both? We (12) ______ bring some snacks for the road. Agung: Sounds like a plan! We (13) ______ have an amazing trip!