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Worksheet8th GradeLevel 2 · Standard

Free 8th Grade Idioms, Clichés and Euphemisms Worksheet

Students learn to identify and use three kinds of non-literal language. Idioms are fixed phrases whose meaning cannot be worked out from the individual words; clichés are phrases so overused that they have lost their impact; euphemisms are gentle or vague words used in place of something unpleasant. Students explain idioms, classify phrases, replace clichés with fresh language, and discuss when euphemisms are kind and when they hide the truth.

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Grade
8th Grade
Subject
English
Topic
Vocabulary
Difficulty
Level 2 · Standard
Estimated time
25 minutes
Curriculum
Texas grade levels (TEKS)
Questions
16
Answers
Included, with working
Format
PDF (A4), print or complete online

Students will practice

  • explaining the meaning of common idioms
  • identifying clichés and replacing them with fresh language
  • identifying euphemisms and their purpose
  • evaluating when euphemisms are kind or misleading

Curriculum: Texas grade levels (TEKS). We show specific outcome codes only where they have been verified against the official curriculum document.

What's next?

Completed: Idioms, Clichés and Euphemisms

  1. 1Persuasive Techniques in Speeches
  2. 2The Day Before — Narrative Writing
  3. 3Should School Start Later? — Argumentative Essay

How to use this worksheet

  1. Print the PDF or complete it on screen. Write the student's name and date at the top.
  2. Read the instructions for each part together before starting. Encourage working to be shown.
  3. Mark with the answer sheet. Use the model answers and success criteria as a guide rather than a single right answer.
  4. Record the score, celebrate what went well, then follow the "What's next" suggestion.

Common questions

Who is this worksheet for?

8th Grade students (typically ages 13–14) working on vocabulary. It is pitched at level 2 · standard.

Are the answers included?

Yes. The PDF includes a full answer sheet with model answers and success criteria where there is more than one good answer. You can also view the answers online.

How long does it take?

About 25 minutes for 16 questions. Short, regular sessions work best: two or three a week beats one long one.

Do I need to sign up to download?

No. Click Download Free PDF and it opens immediately. It is free for personal, classroom and homeschool use.

What should we do next?

Try Persuasive Techniques in Speeches.

Preview

Success TutoringWorksheets8th Grade · English · Vocabulary

Idioms, Clichés and Euphemisms

Name

Date

Score /

Use idioms with care, replace clichés with your own images, and notice when a soft word is hiding a hard truth.

Part A: Idioms

An idiom is a fixed phrase whose meaning is different from the meanings of its individual words.

1.Match each idiom to its meaning.
  • to bite off more than you can chew
  • to let the cat out of the bag
  • to be on the fence
  • to hit the nail on the head
  • to cost an arm and a leg
  • to burn the midnight oil
  • to take on more than you can manage
  • to reveal a secret by accident
  • to describe something exactly right
  • to work late into the night
  • to be very expensive
  • to be undecided

Part B: Idiom, cliché or euphemism?

A cliché is a phrase so overused that it has lost its impact. A euphemism is a mild or vague word used in place of one that might seem harsh or unpleasant. Circle the best label.

2."He passed away last spring."
  1. Aidiom
  2. Bcliché
  3. Ceuphemism
3."At the end of the day, it's all about teamwork."
  1. Aidiom
  2. Bcliché
  3. Ceuphemism
4."Don't worry, it's a piece of cake."
  1. Aidiom
  2. Bcliché
  3. Ceuphemism
5."The company is letting some staff go."
  1. Aidiom
  2. Bcliché
  3. Ceuphemism
6."Her smile was as bright as the sun."
  1. Aidiom
  2. Bcliché
  3. Ceuphemism
7."The pre-owned car was a bargain."
  1. Aidiom
  2. Bcliché
  3. Ceuphemism

Part C: Fresh, not stale

8.Replace the cliché with fresh language: "It was as cold as ice." (answer space)
9.Replace the cliché with fresh language: "She was as quiet as a mouse." (answer space)
10.Replace the cliché with fresh language: "Time flew by." (answer space)
11.Why do teachers often advise students to avoid clichés in creative writing? (answer space)
Free worksheets at worksheets.successtutoring.com · © Success Tutoring · Free for personal and classroom use

Preview — the PDF contains the full resource and answer sheet.

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About this resource

Created by
Success Tutoring
Last reviewed
1 October 2026
How it was made
Written by our team

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