One of the key factors in scoring well in the IELTS exam, especially in the Speaking and Writing sections, is showcasing a range of vocabulary. Using idioms effectively can demonstrate to the examiner that you have a strong command of English, including figurative language. In this blog, we’ll explore how idioms can be a game-changer for your IELTS score and list some of the most common idioms that will help you express ideas more clearly and naturally in 2024.
Why Are Idioms Important for IELTS?
Idioms play a crucial role in improving fluency and giving your responses a native-like tone. The IELTS Speaking test, in particular, values natural, conversational language, and idioms can make your speech sound more fluent and engaging. Moreover, idioms can:
Enhance lexical resource: A variety of vocabulary is essential for a higher score in the IELTS exam.
Show advanced language proficiency: Idiomatic expressions are often used by native speakers.
Make your answers more interesting: Idioms make speech colorful and engaging, which can impress the examiner.
How to Use Idioms in IELTS Effectively
Using idioms should feel natural and relevant to the topic you’re discussing. Here are some tips:
Use idioms that you’re comfortable with. Don’t try to memorize complex phrases at the last minute.
Be aware of the context. Ensure the idiom fits naturally into your sentence.
Don’t overuse idioms. A few well-placed idioms can enhance your answer, but using too many might make your speech seem forced or unnatural.
Common IELTS Idioms for 2024
Here is a curated list of idioms that can be useful for the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections in 2024. Practice these idioms, understand their meanings, and incorporate them smoothly into your responses.
Common Idioms for IELTS to Score 9 Band (Common Idioms)
Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To work late into the night.
Example: I had to burn the midnight oil to finish my assignment before the deadline.
A blessing in disguise
Meaning: Something bad at first that turns out to be good.
Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise; it gave me the time to pursue my passion.
Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation.
Example: When she said we needed more time to prepare, she hit the nail on the head.
Piece of cake
Meaning: Something very easy.
Example: The exam was a piece of cake compared to last year’s.
Break the ice
Meaning: To initiate a conversation in a social setting.
Example: I told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
Bite off more than you can chew
Meaning: To take on more than you can handle.
Example: I think I bit off more than I can chew by volunteering for three projects at once.
Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Very rarely.
Example: I see my cousins once in a blue moon since they moved to Australia.
Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To reveal a secret unintentionally.
Example: He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
Cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: Very expensive.
Example: That new smartphone costs an arm and a leg!
In the same boat
Meaning: To be in the same situation as others.
Example: We’re all in the same boat, trying to meet the deadline.
Go the extra mile
Meaning: To make a special effort.
Example: If you want to get promoted, you need to go the extra mile at work.
Kill two birds with one stone
Meaning: To achieve two things at the same time with one action.
Example: I can kill two birds with one stone by picking up dinner while I collect the dry cleaning.
The ball is in your court
Meaning: It’s up to you to take action.
Example: I’ve done all I can; now the ball is in your court.
Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling sick or unwell.
Example: I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather recently.
On cloud nine
Meaning: Extremely happy.
Example: I was on cloud nine after hearing the news of my promotion.
Cut corners
Meaning: To do something poorly in order to save time or money.
Example: Don’t cut corners on this project or it will affect the quality.
A penny for your thoughts
Meaning: Asking someone what they are thinking.
Example: You’ve been quiet for a while. A penny for your thoughts?
Burn the bridges
Meaning: To destroy relationships, leaving no room to go back.
Example: After their argument, John burned his bridges with the company.
Actions speak louder than words
Meaning: What you do is more important than what you say.
Example: He keeps promising to help, but actions speak louder than words.
Add fuel to the fire
Meaning: To make a bad situation worse.
Example: His comments only added fuel to the fire during the debate.
Beat around the bush
Meaning: To avoid talking directly about the issue or delaying the main point.
Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened.
To Be Over The Moon
Meaning: To be extremely happy or excited.
Example: She was over the moon when she got accepted into her dream university.
Blessing in disguise
Meaning: Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good later.
Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise; it pushed me to start my own business.
Give the benefit of the doubt
Meaning: To trust someone without any proof or despite uncertainty.
Example: I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt until I have more information.
Hit the sack
Meaning: To go to bed or sleep.
Example: I’m exhausted after a long day, so I’m going to hit the sack.
An arm and a leg
Meaning: Something very expensive.
Example: The new phone costs an arm and a leg, but it’s worth it.
Better late than never
Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not at all.
Example: He finally arrived at the meeting—better late than never.
Break a leg
Meaning: A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance.
Example: Break a leg at your audition today!
Miss the boat
Meaning: To miss an opportunity.
Example: He missed the boat on that investment opportunity.
On the ball
Meaning: To be alert and quick to understand or react.
Example: The new employee is really on the ball and learns fast.
A dime a dozen
Meaning: Something very common and of little value.
Example: Experts in that field are a dime a dozen nowadays.
Against the Clock
Meaning: To be in a rush to complete something before a deadline.
Example: We’re working against the clock to get this project done on time.
All Ears
Meaning: To be fully listening and paying attention.
Example: I’m all ears—tell me what happened!
All hat and no cattle
Meaning: Someone who talks big but lacks real ability or action.
Example: He talks a lot about his achievements, but he’s all hat and no cattle.
Bite the bullet
Meaning: To face a difficult situation with courage.
Example: I didn’t want to take the exam, but I had to bite the bullet and do it.
Come rain or shine
Meaning: No matter the circumstances, something will happen.
Example: We’re going hiking tomorrow, come rain or shine.
Cutting corners
Meaning: To do something poorly or cheaply to save time or money.
Example: The contractor was cutting corners and the building collapsed.
Down to Earth
Meaning: Practical, realistic, and unpretentious.
Example: Despite her fame, she’s incredibly down to earth.
Easy does it
Meaning: To do something carefully and slowly.
Example: Easy does it with those boxes—they’re fragile.
Give it my best shot
Meaning: To try your hardest to succeed at something.
Example: I know the exam will be tough, but I’ll give it my best shot.
Hang in there
Meaning: To persevere or keep going despite difficulties.
Example: I know this project is challenging, but hang in there—it will pay off.
Hit the hay
Meaning: To go to sleep.
Example: It’s been a long day; I’m ready to hit the hay.
Idioms for Expressing Opinions
In the same boat – Being in the same difficult situation as others.
Take with a grain of salt – Not taking something too seriously.
On the fence – Unable to make a decision.
Hit the sack – To go to sleep.
Burn the midnight oil – To work late into the night.
Idioms for Describing People:
As cool as a cucumber – Very calm and composed.
A pain in the neck – Someone who is annoying.
Full of beans – Very energetic.
Armchair critic – Someone who gives advice without practical experience.
A dark horse – Someone who keeps their abilities or talents hidden.
Business Idioms:
Back to square one – Starting over.
Ball is in your court – It’s up to you to take the next step.
Cut corners – Doing something poorly to save time or money.
On the back burner – Delaying or postponing something.
Touch base – To make contact or catch up.
Idioms Related to Time:
At the drop of a hat – Doing something immediately.
Better late than never – It’s better to do something late than not do it at all.
In the nick of time – Just in time.
Call it a day – Stop working on something.
Time flies – Time passes quickly.
Weather Idioms:
Under the weather – Feeling sick.
Rain or shine – Regardless of the circumstances.
Storm in a teacup – Making a big deal out of something small.
Break the bank – To spend too much money.
Chase rainbows – Pursuing unrealistic goals.
Animal Idioms:
Cat’s out of the bag – A secret has been revealed.
Curiosity killed the cat – Being too curious can lead to trouble.
Dog eat dog – Ruthless competition.
Let sleeping dogs lie – Don’t stir up trouble if it’s not necessary.
Like a fish out of water – Being uncomfortable in a situation.
Body Idioms:
Break a leg – Good luck.
Cold feet – To feel nervous about something.
Cost an arm and a leg – Very expensive.
Get something off your chest – To share a problem or a secret.
Give a hand – To help someone.
Color Idioms:
Green with envy – Very jealous.
In the red – To be in debt.
Caught red-handed – To be caught in the act of doing something wrong.
White lie – A harmless or small lie.
Once in a blue moon – Very rarely.
Relationship Idioms:
Bury the hatchet – To make peace.
No love lost – Mutual dislike.
On the rocks – A relationship in trouble.
Break the ice – Start a conversation.
Go Dutch – To split the bill.
Food Idioms:
Spill the beans – To reveal a secret.
Have a lot on your plate – Having a lot of things to do.
Egg on your face – Feeling embarrassed.
Take the cake – To be the best or worst example of something.
Piece of cake – Something easy to do.
Money Idioms:
Break the bank – To spend all of one’s savings.
Bring home the bacon – To earn money for the family.
Cash cow – A product or business that makes a lot of money.
Cost an arm and a leg – Very expensive.
Money doesn’t grow on trees – Money is limited and shouldn’t be wasted.
Travel Idioms:
Hit the road – To begin a journey.
Off the beaten track – In a remote or isolated place.
Red-eye flight – A flight that departs late at night.
Live out of a suitcase – To travel frequently without settling.
Travel on a shoestring – To travel with very little money.
Work Idioms:
Burn the candle at both ends – To work too hard and tire oneself out.
Climb the corporate ladder – To get promoted in a company.
Get your foot in the door – To get a start in a business or career.
On the ball – To be alert and efficient.
Up in the air – Uncertain or undecided.
Health Idioms:
Under the weather – Not feeling well.
Fit as a fiddle – In excellent health.
Run down – Feeling tired or exhausted.
Throw in the towel – To give up.
On the mend – Recovering from an illness or injury.
Idioms for Describing Difficulties
Hit the Nail on the Head
Meaning: To be exactly right about something.
Example: You hit the nail on the head when you said time management is important for success.
Bite off More Than You Can Chew
Meaning: To take on more responsibility than you can handle.
Example: I think I bit off more than I could chew when I took on three extra classes.
A Tough Nut to Crack
Meaning: Something that is difficult to deal with or understand.
Example: The reading section was a tough nut to crack for me.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Meaning: Facing a difficult decision with two unpleasant choices.
Example: Deciding between taking a gap year or starting university immediately is like being between a rock and a hard place.
Idioms for Success and Achievements
Go the Extra Mile
Meaning: To make a special effort beyond what is expected.
Example: I always go the extra mile in my preparation to ensure I’m fully prepared for the exam.
Cutting Edge
Meaning: The latest and most advanced stage in the development of something.
Example: The technology in the new IELTS test center is cutting edge.
Hit the Ground Running
Meaning: To start something and proceed at a fast pace.
Example: Once I started my IELTS preparation course, I hit the ground running.
By the Skin of Your Teeth
Meaning: Just barely managing to succeed.
Example: I passed the IELTS exam by the skin of my teeth.
Idioms for Time Management
In the Nick of Time
Meaning: At the last possible moment.
Example: I finished my essay in the nick of time before the deadline.
Against the Clock
Meaning: Working very quickly to meet a deadline.
Example: We were working against the clock to complete the project on time.
Time Flies
Meaning: Time seems to pass very quickly.
Example: Time flies when you’re preparing for IELTS, so it’s important to stay organized.
Idioms for IELTS Writing
At the Drop of a Hat
Meaning: Doing something immediately or without hesitation.
Example: Some people are willing to change jobs at the drop of a hat to get better opportunities.
The Best of Both Worlds
Meaning: A situation where you can enjoy the advantages of two different things.
Example: By studying online and attending workshops, I get the best of both worlds.
Take with a Grain of Salt
Meaning: To view something with skepticism or doubt.
Example: You should take his advice with a grain of salt; it doesn’t always work for everyone.
Idioms are a great way to add flair to your language and show that you have a strong command of English. However, always remember to use them sparingly and only when they fit the context of your answer. Overusing idioms or using them incorrectly can hurt your score.
As you prepare for the IELTS 2024, focus on practicing idioms that you are comfortable with. With the right balance of idiomatic language, you can boost your band score and impress the examiner with your fluency and proficiency.
