55 Group Discussion Questions to Practice Idioms with Examples (Part 3)

Practice idioms with group discussion questions to facilitate understanding. (Photo: Pexels)

In this third and final list of idiomatic expressions, we will focus on idioms starting with P and conclude with idioms starting with Z.

Instructions and tips for these idiom lessons are provided in the first and second articles. If you missed the first two lists, visit the links below.

Part 1: 50 ESL Discussion Questions for Adults to Practice Idioms

Part 2: 50 New Discussion Questions to Practice Idioms in English

Again, try these group questions in small groups or in pairs. Elaborating on your answers using each new expression will help consolidate understanding. Repeat the idioms using different sentences as much as possible. Finally, writing and reviewing the phrases will help with language acquisition as well.

Group Discussion Questions to Practice Idioms

Practice Idioms Starting with P

1. Do you know anyone who is a penny pincher?
2. Do you like to pig out on the weekend?
3. How did your father pop the question to your mother?
4. Who do you know who likes to pour money down the drain?
5. Where you pressed for time this morning?

Practice Idioms Starting with Q

1. When did you quake in your boots?
2. Did you spend quality time with your family last week?
3. What is only a question of time to happen in the future?
4. Are police officers quick on the trigger in your city?
5. Do you have a friend who is as quiet as a mouse?

Practice Idioms Starting with R

1. Can you think of some people who have gone from rags to riches?
2. Did it rain cats and dogs last week?
3. Is your life like a rat race?
4. What is a red herring in politics these days?
5. What time do you rise and shine?

Practice Idioms Starting with S

1. Do you like to save for a rainy day?
2. Do you usually see eye to eye with your parents?
3. Do you like to shoot the breeze during lunchtime?
4. Who was a smart cookie in your high school?
5. Who do you know who likes to spill the beans?

Practice Idioms Starting with T

1. When was the last time that you had to take a raincheck?
2. What takes the wind out of your sails?
3. Who do you know who talks a blue streak?
4. Do you usually throw caution to the wind on the weekend?
5. Did anyone ever throw you under the bus?

Practice Idioms Starting with U

1. Have you ever given someone money under the table?
2. When was the last time you were under the influence?
3. When was the last time you were under the weather?
4. Who can talk until the cows come home?
5. What is up in the air this weekend?

Practice Idioms Starting with V

1. Do you think that variety is the spice of life?
2. Do you like to veg out in the evening?
3. Do you know anyone who needs to be handled with a velvet glove?
4. What is a vicious circle in your life?
5. Who in your family is full of vim and vigor?

Practice Idioms Starting with W

1. Did you ever walk out on someone?
2. Do you wear your heart on your sleeve?
3. Do you prefer white-collar work or blue-collar work?
4. What government plan is a wild goose chase?
5. Does your favorite team often win hands down?

Practice Idioms Starting with X

1. Who do you write X’s and O’s at the bottom of a letter to?
2. What is your X factor?
3. Can you look at a map and use the expression, ‘X marks the spot’?
4. What do you think of X-rated movies?
5. Have you ever forgotten to XYZ on your pants?

Practice Idioms Starting with Y

1. What holidays happen year after year?
2. When is a good time to yell bloody murder?
3. Do you have any yellow-bellied friends?
4. What is wrong with being a Yes Man?
5. Do you believe that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?

Practice Idioms Starting with Z

1. What do you have zero tolerance for?
2. Has anyone ever told you to zip it?
3. When is the best time to zip your lip?
4. When was the last time that you zonked out?
5. Who likes to zoom off after work?

ESL Games Book

Do you need more lesson ideas?

Check out ESL Games for Kids and Adults on the ESL Expat website.

The book features 50 fun activities for teaching English as a second language.

Order your copy of the book on Amazon.

ESL Idioms Book

Do your students need extra help with English idioms?

Check out ESL Idioms and Worksheets on the ESL Expat website.

The book features over 400 idioms and several activities for students to practice using the expressions.

Order your copy of the book on Amazon.

More Idioms with Examples and Sentences

Are you looking for more resources for learning English idiomatic expressions?

After reading our 3 part lesson series, have a look at the idiom collection on ESL Expat. Also, for students interested in learning English through film, visit the Movie Idioms website.

Please share these free idiom lists with friends if you found them to be helpful.