Use of idioms in IELTS Speaking Exam | Some useful idioms for IELTS

Within the Speaking module of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), candidates are evaluated on their ability to speak effectively, fluently and coherently. Something that can greatly enhance your IELTS speaking score is a skillful use of idiomatic expressions. This article will delve deep into the world of idioms in IELTS speaking test and explore how incorporating them into your speech can make your score go higher.

Idiomatic Expressions – Idioms for IELTS speaking

In idiomatic expressions, the literal meaning of the phrase is not always the same as its figurative interpretation. Culture, history, and social context are often reflected in their origins, making them rich tapestries of language use. The ability to integrate idiomatic expressions into your speaking can help you stand out as a competent and engaging communicator. IELTS speaking requires the use of idioms for the following reasons:

• Fluency: The native speaker of the English language frequently uses idioms in their conversations. By incorporating them into your speaking, you can show a level of fluency and proficiency that goes beyond basic language. It would add a layer of authenticity and naturalness to your communication.

• Cultural Insights: Understanding idioms can offer valuable insight into a language’s culture, history, and values. Demonstrating proficiency in using these expressions highlights your ability to grasp the subtleties that shape the language – a skill that is highly prized in language assessments such as the IELTS.

• Depth and Impact: By using idiomatic expressions, you can effectively communicate complex ideas or emotions and elevate your responses, allowing you to effectively convey information within the limited time frame of a speaking test.

• Memorability: To stand out among the many candidates being evaluated, incorporating idioms into your speech can be highly effective. A strategically placed idiom can leave a lasting impression on examiners and ultimately lead to a higher evaluation.

Useful idioms for IELTS speaking

1. Hit the hay: “Hit the hay” means going to bed or going to sleep.
   
   Example: “I’ve had a long day at work, so I think I’m going to hit the hay early tonight.”

2. Up in the air: Being up in the air means the person is uncertain or indecisive.
   
   Example: “The plan for the weekend is still up in the air. We  are yet to decide whether we should go clubbing or trekking.”

3. Stabbed in the back: This idiom refers to being betrayed by someone you trust.
   
   Example: “I always considered him to be a good friend, but he stabbed me in the back by spreading my ideas among his friends.”

4. Takes two to tango: It means that a situation or conflict usually involves two people who are both responsible for it.
   
   Example: “Their argument had gotten out of hand, but it takes two to tango, so both of them need to work on resolving it.”

5. Kill two birds with one stone: It means to accomplish two things at once with a single action.
   
   Example: “If I get the groceries on my way home from work, I can kill two birds with one stone: I can buy groceries and save time.”

6. Piece of cake: Something being a piece of cake means it is extremely easy to do.
   
   Example: “This science quiz was a piece of cake for me.”

7. Costs an arm and a leg: Something costing an arm and a leg means it is extremely expensive.
   
   Example: “Buying this new car would cost you an arm and a leg, especially if you want the new features in it.”

8. Break a leg: This idiom is used to wish someone good luck.
   
   Example: “The director told the actors to break a leg before they went on the stage for their play.”  

9. Rule of thumb: This idiom refers to a general guideline or principle that is usually followed.
   
   Example: “As a rule of thumb, it is suggested to save at least 20% of your income for retirement.”

10. Blow off steam: This idiom means to release pent-up emotions or frustration.
    
    Example: “After having a stressful day at work, I went to the gym to blow off some steam by exercising.”

11. Hit the books: This idiom means to start studying or to focus on one’s academic work.
    
    Example: “I have a big exam tomorrow, so I need to hit the books tonight and go through all my notes.”

12. Hit the sack: This means to go to bed or to go to sleep.
    
    Example: “I am really tired after a long day at work, therefore, I think I will hit the sack early tonight.”
    
13. Twist someone’s arm: This idiom is used when someone persuades or pressures another person to do something they might not want to do.
    
    Example: “I didn’t want to go to the party, however, my friends twisted my arm and convinced me to join them.”

14. Lose your touch: If someone has lost their touch, it means they are no longer as skilled or successful in something as they used to be.
    
    Example: “The renowned chef seems to have lost his touch lately; his recent dishes are not as delicious as before.”

15. Sit tight: This means to wait patiently or remain in a certain position without taking any action.
    
    Example: “I am just sitting tight in the waiting room because the doctor told me to wait for an hour until the test results are ready. ”

16. Pitch in: To pitch in means to contribute or help out with a task or activity, usually in a cooperative manner.
    
    Example: “Everyone in the family pitched in to decorate for the holiday party.”

17. Go cold turkey: This idiom is used when someone abruptly stops a habit or addiction without any gradual reduction.
    
    Example: “He decided to quit smoking and went cold turkey, he even threw away all his cigarettes.”

18. Face the music: To face the music means to confront the consequences of one’s actions, especially when they are negative.
    
    Example: “He had to face the music and meet the professor after being caught cheating during the exam.”

19. Ring a bell: If something rings a bell, it means it sounds familiar or reminds you of something you’ve heard before.
    
    Example: “The name of the writer doesn’t ring a bell but I am sure I have read of their books.”

20. Cut to the chase: This idiom means to get to the main point or the essential part of a conversation or situation without wasting time on unnecessary details.
    
    Example: “We must cut to the chase and start discussing the most important aspects of the project.”

21. On the ball: This idiom means someone is attentive, alert, and quick to respond or act.
    
    Example: “She’s always on the ball during the meetings, she catches all the important details and offers insightful suggestions.”

22. Get over something: To get over something means to recover from a difficult or unpleasant experience or to move past a negative emotion.
    
    Example: “It took him a while but he eventually managed to over the disappointment of not getting the job.”

23. Look like a million bucks: This means to look exceptionally attractive or well-dressed.
    
    Example: “She arrived at the party looking like a million bucks in her new elegant gown and stylish pieces of jewellery.”

24. Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth: This idiom refers to someone who was born into a wealthy or privileged family.
    
    Example: “I am sure she has never experienced financial hardships as she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth.”

25. Go from rags to riches: This means to go from a state of extreme poverty to one of great wealth or success.
    
    Example: “His inspiring story is about how he went from rags to riches by building a successful business from scratch.”

26. Have sticky fingers: If someone has sticky fingers, it means they have a tendency to steal things.
    
    Example: “Several items went missing after the party and it was surprising to know that one of the guests had sticky fingers.”

27. Give a run for one’s money: This idiom means to provide strong competition or challenge someone effectively.
    
    Example: “Although he’s the defending champion, the new player gave him a run for his money in the tennis match.”

28. To pony up: To pony up means to contribute or pay one’s share of something, often money.
    
    Example: “After celebrating John’s birthday yesterday, everyone at the table ponied up their portion of the bill.”

29. Break-even: This term is used in business and finance to indicate the point at which total costs equal total revenue, resulting in no profit or loss.
    
    Example: “After a year of operation, the company finally reach the break-even point, covering its expenses but not generating any profit.”

30. Break the bank: This idiom means to spend a large amount of money, often more than one can afford.
    
    Example: “I wanted to buy that new designer handbag that I saw yesterday, but it would have broken the bank, so I decided to go for a more affordable option.”

31. To be closefisted: If someone is closefisted, it means they are unwilling to spend money, often being stingy.
    
    Example: “Even though he’s well-off, he’s incredibly closefisted and rarely treats others to anything.”

32. To go Dutch: This idiom refers to splitting the cost of something equally between all parties involved.
    
    Example: “When we went out for lunch, we decided to go Dutch and each paid for our own meals.”

33. Receive a kickback: To receive a kickback means to get a secret payment or compensation, often illicitly, for facilitating a transaction or deal.
    
    Example: “The corrupt official was caught receiving kickbacks from companies that were awarded government contracts.”

34. Living hand to mouth: This idiom describes a situation where someone barely earns enough to cover basic living expenses.
    
    Example: “Ever since she lost her job, she’s been living hand to mouth, struggling to pay rent and buy groceries.”

35. Make ends meet: This idiom means to manage one’s finances so that income is sufficient to cover expenses.
    
    Example: “With the rise in rent and bills, it’s becoming harder for them to make ends meet on just one salary.”

36. Keep your chin up: This idiom encourages someone to stay positive and optimistic in the face of challenges.
    
    Example: “I know things are tough right now, but you need to keep your chin up and believe that things will get better.”

37. Spice things up: This idiom means to add excitement or variety to a situation, often to make it more interesting.
    
    Example: “We decided to spice things up at the party by introducing some fun games and activities.

38. A piece of cake: If something is a piece of cake, it means it’s very easy to do.
    
    Example: “The math problem was a piece of cake; I solved it in just a few seconds.”

39. Cool as a cucumber: This idiom describes someone who remains calm and composed, even in stressful situations.
    
    Example: “Even though the situation was chaotic, she remained cool as a cucumber and managed to guide everyone to safety.”

40. A couch potato: This idiom refers to a person who spends a lot of time sitting or lying down, often watching TV and being inactive.
    
    Example: “I usually turn into a couch potato on weekends, just relaxing and watching movies.”

41. Bring home the bacon: This means earning a living or providing financial support for one’s family.
    
    Example: “He works two jobs to bring home the bacon and support his children’s education.”

42. Not one’s cup of tea: If something is not one’s cup of tea, it means it’s not something they enjoy or are interested in.
    
    Example: “I tried to enjoy the art gallery, but modern art is not really my cup of tea.”

43. Eat like a bird: This idiom means to eat very little.
    
    Example: “She’s always been conscious about her weight and eats like a bird during meals.”

44. Eat like a horse: This idiom means to eat a lot.
    
    Example: “Even though he’s skinny, he eats like a horse and never seems to gain weight.”

45. Butter up: To butter up someone means to flatter or compliment them in order to gain favour or influence.
    
    Example: “He’s always buttering up the boss, hoping to get a promotion.”

46. Penny for thought: This phrase is used to ask someone to share their thoughts or opinions.
    
    Example: “You’ve been quiet for a while. A penny for your thoughts?”

47. A smart cookie: This idiom refers to someone who is intelligent and clever.
    
    Example: “She’s a smart cookie; she solved the puzzle in no time.”

48. Packed like sardines: This idiom describes a crowded or tightly packed space.
    
    Example: “The subway during rush hour was so crowded that we were all packed like sardines.”

49. Spill the beans: This idiom means to reveal a secret or information that was meant to be kept hidden.
    
    Example: “I wasn’t supposed to know about the surprise party, but someone accidentally spilt the beans.”

50. A bad apple: This idiom refers to a person who is a negative influence or has bad intentions within a group.
    
    Example: “One bad apple can spoil the whole team’s morale.”

51. A hard nut to crack: This idiom describes a problem or a person that is difficult to understand or deal with.
    
    Example: “Solving this math puzzle is proving to be a hard nut to crack.”

52. Have a sweet tooth: If someone has a sweet tooth, it means they have a strong liking for sweet foods.
    
    Example: “She can’t resist desserts; she has a real sweet tooth.”

53. Under the weather: This idiom means to feel unwell or sick.
    
    Example: “I won’t be able to come to the meeting today; I’m feeling a bit under the weather.”

54. Calm before the storm: This idiom refers to a period of peace or tranquillity before a difficult or challenging situation.
    
    Example: “The atmosphere was calm before the storm of the important negotiations.”

55. Chasing rainbows: This idiom means pursuing something that is unrealistic or unattainable.
    
    Example: “I appreciate your dreams, but sometimes it seems like you’re chasing rainbows.”

56. Once in a blue moon: This idiom refers to something that happens very rarely.
    
    Example: “She usually visits her hometown once in a blue moon because she lives far away.”

57. Every cloud has a silver lining: This means that even in difficult situations, there’s something positive to be found.
    
    Example: “Losing his job was tough, but he found a new opportunity that proved that every cloud has a silver lining.”

58. Go with the flow: This idiom means to adapt to circumstances and not resist changes or challenges.
    
    Example: “Instead of stressing over the unexpected change in plans, I decided to go with the flow and make the best of it.”

59. Sail close to the wind: This means engaging in risky behaviour or approaching dangerous situations.
    
    Example: “His business practices are sailing close to the wind; he’s taking big risks that might lead to legal trouble.”

60. Walking on air: This idiom describes feeling extremely happy or elated.
    
    Example: “After getting the job offer, she felt like she was walking on air for days.”

61. Many moons ago: This idiom refers to a time in the distant past.
    
    Example: “I used to live in that neighbourhood many moons ago before I moved to the city.”

62. Down to earth: This describes someone who is practical, sensible, and not pretentious.
    
    Example: “Despite his success, he’s very down to earth and treats everyone with respect.”

63. Salt of the earth: This idiom describes someone who is genuinely good, reliable, and kind-hearted.
    
    Example: “She’s the salt of the earth; she’s always willing to help others without expecting anything in return.”

64. The tip of the iceberg: This means that what is seen or known is only a small part of a larger, more complex issue.
    
    Example: “The financial troubles we’re facing now are just the tip of the iceberg; there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes.”

65. Break the ice: To break the ice means to initiate a conversation or interaction in order to ease tension or create a comfortable atmosphere.
    
    Example: “At the networking event, he told a funny joke to break the ice and start conversations.”

66. Let the dust settle: This idiom means to allow time for a situation to calm down or become clearer after upheaval.
    
    Example: “After the argument, it’s best to let the dust settle before discussing the issue further.”

67. As cold as a stone: This idiom describes someone who lacks emotion or compassion.
    
    Example: “The temperature inside the cabin was as cold as a stone.”

68. Out of the woods: This idiom means that a difficult or dangerous situation is over or resolved.
    
    Example: “After a long recovery, the patient is finally out of the woods and on the path to full health.”

Conclusion

In IELTS speaking, idiomatic expressions are powerful tools that can enhance your communication skills. By incorporating idioms, you demonstrate your linguistic ability, depth, flair, and cultural awareness. Mastering idioms requires understanding, practice, and context. Embrace idiomatic expressions and explore their nuances to ace your IELTS speaking test. Idioms are the spice that can turn your words into an exquisite linguistic dish, leaving a lasting impression on examiners and propelling you towards your language proficiency goals.

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