Halsbury Covid Guarantee Icon Our Book with Confidence Guarantee – postpone your trip or get a refund if you need to cancel*

Idiomatic Phrases Activity

This idiomatic phrases activity will help your pupils learn how to say the equivalent of 'to cost an arm and a leg' or 'like a bull in a china shop' in French, German, Italian and Spanish – something that is sure to make them giggle!

Why idiomatic phrases?

Idiomatic phrases can tell us a lot about the culture of the country in which a language is spoken and are always a hit with students – usually because the literal translations can sound quite funny to our ears.

Fun activities like these will help your students to see how interesting and exciting languages can be.

We’ve provided two sheets per language – the first is your copy, with the idiomatic phrase in the target language, the literal translation and the actual meaning or English equivalent.

The student copy has that final column left blank, encouraging them to think about what the phrase really means.

Before giving them the answers, why not go around the room to see what they’ve suggested? You could well be in for a few laughs!

Interested in arranging a languages school trip?

Yes, send me a tailor-made quote

The Halsbury Difference

School trips designed by teachers for teachers

Originally founded by teachers in 1986 and with several former teachers in our team, we understand the pressures on you as Group Leader and work hard to relieve them.

Trips tailored to your curriculum and learning objectives

We’ll design your trip around your specific learning objectives and curriculum, to ensure it meets your particular requirements.

Rewarding loyalty scheme

Work together with other teachers in your school to save thousands of pounds on future school trips with our multi-trip loyalty scheme!