In order to secure admission to institutions overseas, you will need to take English language competency exams. The International English Language Test System, shortened as IELTS, is one of the most extensively used assessments among students. The test is divided into four components, each of which requires much preparation anIn order to secure admission to institutions overseas, you will need to take English language competency exams. The International English Language Test System, shortened as IELTS, is one of the most extensively used assessments among students. The test has four components, each of which requires extensive preparation and practice. The average IELTS score ranges between 6 and 6.5. If you are fluent in vocabulary and idioms for IELTS, you have a chance to obtain a band of seven or above. When it comes to the IELTS speaking examination, in particular, you have the opportunity to impress the examiner by using common idioms used in IELTS, which this article provides for you below.
What Are Idioms?
An idiom is a non-literal term or phrase in a language not associated with a pre-existing phrase. In simple terms, an idiom is a collection of words arranged in a certain order, each with a distinct meaning. In most English language competency exams, idioms are utilised and asked. You will be asked about a variety of idioms for IELTS speaking, especially.
List Of 20 Useful Idioms For IELTS Speaking
Check out some of the common idioms for IELTS speaking:
A Penny for your thoughts
When you want to know what someone thinks about when you’ve mentioned something or when you’d like to know their opinion.
For example: “I’ve decided to invest in Bitcoin; A Penny for your thoughts, Maya?”
Hit the hay
This is one of the most common idioms for IELTS speaking, and it implies that you’re ready to go to bed.
For example: “It has been a long day indeed, and I am now ready to hit the hay.”
Be all ears
When you say you’re all ears, it implies that you’re ready and eager to listen to what the other person has to say.
For example: “Hey! I’m all ears, you can go ahead and give me the gossip I was looking forward to!”
Against the clock
You use this idiom when you’re looking forward to finishing your task (s) as soon as possible, possibly before the set deadline.
For example, Maya was racing against the clock to get done with her preparations for her test, which was due on Monday.
Next to nothing
This is amongst the most frequently used idioms for IELTS exam which when used means that it costs very little.
For example, Maya bought a pair of shoes from the thrift store for 5 USD. That is literally next to nothing!
In the nick of time
To do something not very late but very close to the deadline.
For example: “Thankfully, I reached the exam hall in the nick of time, and got to give my test!”
Lend an ear
This happens to be one of the most known idioms for IELTS speaking. To lend an ear means that you’re ready to listen to someone in a friendly way.
For example: “If you have concerns regarding shifting your job, speak to the HR. She is always available to lend an ear.”
On cloud nine
When you say you’re on cloud nine, you mean that you are extremely happy about something and cannot express it better.
For example: “My results came out today and I secured the first place. I am on cloud nine.”
Bushed
You use the idiom/phrase bushed when you want to express your tired state to someone.
For example, I am totally bushed after the long day that I had today.
Hard Feelings
This is one of the most common idioms used on the IELTS exam. When used, it implies that you’re asking the person across from you not to get angry or upset about something that you may have mentioned.
For example: “I am sorry to have fired you, but I had no other choice. No hard feelings, I hope?”
Be sick to death of something
When you’re angry or rather bored of doing something monotonous or unpleasant for a long period of time.
For example: “Maya was sick to death of doing nothing but making calls and sending invites for her graduation party.”
Put yourself in somebody’s shoes
We’re all well aware of this phrase. This implies that you imagine yourself in someone’s position and understand what they’re going through.
For example, Maya understood her friend’s dilemma when she put herself in his shoes.
Break the ice
To initiate a conversation in a social setting and make people feel comfortable.
For example: To break the ice at the party, Jack started with a funny joke.
Spill the beans
To reveal a secret or disclose information unintentionally.
For example, He spilled the beans about the surprise party before the actual day.
Under the weather
Feeling sick or unwell.
For example, I won’t be coming to work today; I’m feeling under the weather.
Jump on the bandwagon
To follow a trend or do something just because others are doing it.
For example: Many people jumped on the bandwagon and started investing in cryptocurrency.
Hit the nail on the head
To describe a situation or problem exactly and correctly.
For example: Sarah hit the nail on the head when she said the project failed due to poor planning.
Bite the bullet
To endure a difficult or painful situation bravely.
For example: I had to bite the bullet and apologise even though it wasn’t my fault.
Go the extra mile
To put in extra effort beyond what is expected.
For example: Emma went the extra mile to ensure the event was a grand success.
Burn the midnight oil
To work late into the night, usually studying or working on a project.
For example, I had to burn the midnight oil to finish my assignment before the deadline.
Tips for Using Idioms Effectively in IELTS Speaking
By following these tips, you’ll be able to use idioms naturally and effectively in your IELTS Speaking test:
1. Understand the Meaning Clearly
Before using an idiom, make sure you fully understand what it means. If you say “spill the beans” but mean “talk too much,” it could confuse the examiner.
2. Practice with Common Topics
Try using idioms in IELTS-related topics like work, education, and travel. For instance, when talking about work pressure, you can say, “I was working against the clock to meet the deadline.”
3. Don’t Overuse Idioms
Using too many idioms in a short response can make your speech sound unnatural. Instead of stuffing multiple idioms in one answer, aim to use just one or two where they fit naturally.
4. Use Idioms That You Are Comfortable With
Stick to idioms that you can use confidently in a sentence. If you’re unsure about an idiom, it’s better to use simple vocabulary than risk making a mistake.
5. Listen to Native Speakers
Watching English TV shows, movies, or podcasts can help you understand how idioms are used naturally. Notice how native speakers use idioms in daily conversations and try to mimic their style.
6. Practice Speaking with a Friend or Tutor
Engage in IELTS Speaking practice with a friend and challenge each other to use idioms. Ask for feedback on whether your idioms sound natural and fit the context.
7. Record Yourself Speaking
Listening to your recorded answers can help you identify if you are using idioms correctly. If an idiom sounds out of place, try rephrasing your response to make it sound more natural.
FAQs
1. Why should I use idioms in the IELTS Speaking test?
Using idioms in the IELTS Speaking test can make your responses sound more natural and fluent. It also demonstrates a strong command of the English language, which can help improve your score.
2. How can I remember idioms easily?
The best way to remember idioms is to use them in daily conversations, write them down with examples, and practice them in different contexts to understand their meanings clearly.
3. Can I use idioms in the IELTS Writing test?
While idioms are great for the Speaking test, they should be used cautiously in the Writing test, especially in formal essays. Some idioms may be too informal, so it’s best to use them only in informal letters or writing tasks where they fit naturally.
4. Do idioms improve my IELTS band score?
Yes, using idioms correctly can contribute to a higher score in the Lexical Resource category of the IELTS Speaking test. However, they must be used appropriately and in context.
5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when using idioms in IELTS?
Some common mistakes include misusing idioms, using them out of context, or forcing them into a sentence where they don’t fit naturally. It’s essential to understand the meaning and usage before including them in your speech.
Thank you for reading this blog on 12 Very Useful Idioms For IELTS Speaking. If you’d like to read more, here are some blogs that might be of interest to you –
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