Idioms for IELTS Speaking Test
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
To get a 9 band score on IELTS exam, use a range of vocabulary and idioms. This is to show to examiner that you can use various idiomatic expressions. Idioms add variety to your speech, making it sound more natural.
For that reason, idioms for IELTS should be used properly and in appropriate context as using them incorrectly can lower your score. This article lists useful idioms for IELTS showcasing how you can use them wisely in your answers and tips on how you can learn more idioms for your IELTS Speaking exam.
Q. How can I use idioms for IELTS Speaking?
A. You can use various idioms for IELTS Speaking section whenever necessary. However, inadequate and frequent use of idioms may also lead your sentences to be more bulky and full of idioms without room for normal conversation. This may even lead to loss of some marks on your answers. Below are some tips on how you can use idioms for IELTS Speaking wisely-
- If you do not know the meaning of an idiom - use a simple word or phrase instead. Note that you can only use an idiom correctly if you know its meaning correctly.
- Choose relevant idioms as picking the ones totally out of context ones will spoil the conversation and create confusion.
- If you are not sure whether to use an idiom, it is better to not use it. However - if you are confident that you know how to use it correctly, go ahead and use it.
Q. Give some examples of correct and incorrect use of idioms for IELTS speaking.
A. Here are the correct and incorrect uses of idioms in IELTS Speaking test-
| Correct and Incorrect Use of Idioms for IELTS Speaking | ||
|---|---|---|
| Idioms | Incorrect Usage | Correct Usage |
| Break the ice Meaning- to start a conversation |
I broke the ice when I spilled coffee on my new white shirt | To break the ice at the business meeting, I asked everyone to share a funny story about their weekend |
| On cloud Nine Meaning- to be extremely happy |
The plane flew on cloud nine during the storm |
After getting promoted, Sarah was on cloud nine for weeks |
| Cost an arm and a leg Meaning- referring something to be very costly |
The accident cost him an arm and a leg | That luxury car costs an arm and a leg - I could never afford it |
What is an Idiom?
Idioms are a group of words with a different meaning. There is hardly any connection with what it says. People use different idioms in writing and speaking. Just check any idiom with its meaning. You will know their meaning is not same as what was said.
Q. Give a few examples of idioms with meanings.
A. Here are a few examples of idioms with their meanings-
| Idioms Examples for IELTS Speaking | |
|---|---|
| Idioms | Meanings |
| Break a leg | good luck! |
| Hit the books | to study intensely |
| Under the weather | to feel sick |
| Spill the beans | to reveal a secret |
| Let the cat out of the bag | to reveal a secret accidentally |
| Raining cats and dogs | to rain heavily |
| Once in a blue moon | to happen rarely |
Q. Which are some of the most used idioms in daily life?
A. Some of the most commonly used idioms in daily life with their meanings are given below-
| Idioms Examples for IELTS Speaking | |
|---|---|
| Idioms | Meanings |
| Piece of cake | easy |
| Pull someone's leg | to joke with someone |
| Hit the road | to start a journey |
| Early bird catches the worm | the person who starts early has an advantage |
| Blessing in disguise | something good that initially seemed bad |
| A dime a dozen | very common and inexpensive |
| A drop in the bucket | very small amount |
| A hot potato | very controversial and difficult issue |
Idioms for IELTS Speaking
Here are some idioms for IELTS speaking section-
| Idioms for IELTS Speaking | |
|---|---|
| Idioms |
Meanings |
| Break the ice |
to initiate a conversation in the social gathering |
| Hit nail on the head |
to do or say something exactly right or true |
| Get the message across |
to successfully communicate a message to someone |
| Light at the end of the tunnel |
signs of improvement in a situation that has been bad for a long time |
| Caught red-handed |
caught in the act of doing something wrong |
| Face the music |
to confront or accept unpleasant consequences of one’s actions |
| Once in a Blue Moon |
something that happens rarely |
| Cry Over Spilt Milk |
to be upset or worried about something that happened and cannot be changed |
| Bookworm |
refers to someone who reads a lot |
| Hit the books |
to study seriously |
| Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day |
great achievements take time |
| Ace a test |
to do exceptionally well on an exam |
| Pass with flying colours. |
to pass with a high score |
By the book |
do it exactly according to the rules |
| Put your nose to the grindstone |
work hard for a long time |
| Pull an all nighter |
to stay up all night studying or working |
| Drag your feet |
to Procrastinate or delay |
| Make the cut |
to meet the required standard |
| Blow off steam |
do something to relieve stress or tension |
| To be at the end of your rope |
running out of patience |
| On the same page |
agree or have a shared understanding |
| Back to basics |
to go back to simpler methods |
| Day and Night |
all the time |
IELTS Speaking Idioms for Band 9
IDP describes fluency and coherence as two most important attributes in IELTS Speaking Test. Usage of good vocabulary, idioms and discourse markers make your answer sound way better. Check out some sample questions and answers below to learn how you can use idioms for IELTS Speaking to score an IELTS band score 9.
Question 1: Tell me about your first day at college.
Sample Answer: On first day of college, I was anxious about meeting new people. To start some conversation I shared a funny incident from my trip to campus. It was about how I almost got lost and ended up being late for my first lecture.
Question 2: What do you think is key to successful team management?
Sample Answer: In my view, essence of successful team management lies in understanding. Also, assigning roles that fit with strengths of each team member. Manager of our student project hit nail on head when she delegated tasks.
Question 3: Do you have any bad habit?
Sample Answer: Unfortunately, yes. I procrastinate my work. There was one time in my college when I delayed too much on a group project.
Question 4: Did you like reading when you were a child?
Sample Answer: Yes. I was a complete bookworm growing up. My favourite pastime was reading books about dragons and exciting adventures. Now, i use to read different books.
Question 5: Are you a good friend?
Sample Answer: Yes! Last month my best friend was about to make a rash decision to buy an expensive bike impulsively. I told him to hold his horses and think it over carefully. Later he thanked me for this.
Idioms for IELTS Speaking Tips
Here are a few tips for using idioms in IELTS Speaking test-
- Use idioms in English daily even while conversing with others. Make it a habit of learning and practising new idioms.
- Use idioms in right context only to avoid misunderstanding.
- Do not overuse idioms - natural flow of idioms in daily conversation is the best way to use it.
Idioms for IELTS Speaking FAQs
Here are the FAQs-
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
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