Understanding Idioms: Making Sense of Figurative Language in Speech Therapy

Idioms are phrases like “spill the beans” or “break the ice” that don’t mean exactly what the words say. For many children—especially those with language delays or who are literal thinkers—idioms can be confusing.

In speech therapy, we break idioms down to help kids understand and use them more confidently.

We usually start with familiar expressions and pair them with visuals or stories. For example, we might act out “it’s raining cats and dogs” with a silly drawing or match the phrase “feeling under the weather” to a picture of someone sick. We talk about what the phrase says literally, what it really means, and when someone might use it.

Practicing idioms helps kids improve their comprehension, enjoy humor in language, and participate more fully in conversations—especially with peers. Over time, they begin to recognize idioms in books, shows, and everyday speech, making communication more meaningful and fun.

Author: Brittany Schoellkopf M.S., CCC-SLP