Idioms for IELTS Speaking Test 2024

Every language has a different way of expressing things. People tend to use specific word combinations with an underlying meaning unfamiliar to various people. In English, such expressions are called idioms and phrases. 

If you’re aiming for a higher band score in IELTS, you need to focus on improving your vocabulary and using idiomatic language effectively. This is because the speaking section of the IELTS exam is evaluated based on your lexical resource. You must demonstrate your ability to use less common words and IELTS idioms to establish the proper placement and style. So, how would one use idioms during a speaking test? More importantly, how do you practice phrases for IELTS?

Here is a detailed guide on idioms to use for IELTS speaking. The sections below also contain the commonly used expressions with examples and tips to practice using them during the test. 

How To Use Idioms During the Speaking Test?

Often, idioms help sum up a commonly encountered cultural experience. For instance, “bite the bullet” can refer to something unpleasant. Interestingly, phrases and idioms are distinct from their country of origin. Idioms used in Spain or France differ from those used in English-speaking countries. 

Regarding idioms for IELTS speaking, it’s important to remember that they can add flair and personality to your language, but they should be used appropriately. Idioms are phrases with a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words, so make sure you understand the context and meaning of the idiom before using it. 

Enhancing vocabulary arises from the objective of the IELTS Speaking Test, which is to evaluate a non-native English speaker’s language proficiency. Knowledge of cultural slang, idioms, and phrases makes you a better fit. However, one crucial thing you must remember regarding idioms and phrases is to use the right one at the right place.

Here are a few tips for incorporating phrases and idioms for IELTS speaking while attempting the speaking section:

• Avoid over-usage

The strategic use of idioms and phrases adds colour to the sentence. However, overusing these phrases can feel tedious and confusing to the interviewer, so it would be best to use them wisely.

• Avoid clichés

Certain idioms are commonly used and have gained the ‘cliché’ status. Relying on such phrases can indicate to the examiner that you are unprepared as they could not display a more diverse knowledge.

• Be careful of the context

If you are uncertain about the context in which an idiom should be used, it is better to avoid using it to avoid any negative impact on your score.

• Don’t use irregular idioms too much.

Avoid using too many irregular idioms, as this may affect the clarity of your language. Instead, use simple, easy-to-understand language and commonly used idioms.

Some phrases for the IELTS Speaking Test

The IELTS Speaking Test evaluates your language proficiency as a non-native English speaker. To achieve a higher band score, it is crucial to have a good command of English vocabulary, including idioms and phrases. These phrases can help you confidently assert your ideas and provide additional points and relatable examples to support your discussion.

1. In my opinion

It can be used to express your viewpoint on a particular topic or to introduce your thoughts and ideas confidently and assertively. 

Example: In my opinion, learning a foreign language can help you understand different cultures.

2. To put it simply

It is a phrase often used to introduce a simplified or abbreviated explanation of a complex idea. It is a way of summarising something in a straightforward and easy-to-understand manner without using too much technical jargon or complicated language.

Example: To put it simply, kindness is a virtue that should be practised daily.

3. As far as I am concerned

It is often used to introduce personal opinions or viewpoints on a topic. It is a way of expressing your ideas confidently. 

Example: Reading books is one of the most enriching activities one can engage in.

4. I am going to talk about

The phrase indicates that you will discuss a topic or idea similarly to the previous speaker or writer. It can be used to emphasise agreement or to build upon a previous idea or argument. 

Example: I am going to talk about the benefits of regular exercise, which is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

5. It’s worth mentioning that

The phrase is commonly used to introduce an additional point or idea related to the previous discussion. It is often used to highlight a point that may have been overlooked or to provide a perspective that complements the existing discussion. 

Example: It’s worth mentioning that practising gratitude can significantly improve one’s mental health.

6. Let me give you an example

This phrase is often used to provide a specific and relatable example that supports the point being made in the discussion. 

Example: Let me give you an example of how to use idioms for IELTS speaking. For instance, “to beat around the bush” means avoiding discussing the main topic.

7. If my memory serves me well

The phrase can be helpful in your vocabulary during the IELTS speaking test. This can also be used when you rely on past experiences or memories to tell a story or provide an example. 

Example: If my memory serves me well, one of the most memorable events in my life was graduating from college.

Most Commonly Used Idioms With Examples

Various idioms are commonly used. The table below mentions idioms and phrases for IELTS:

Idiom	Meaning	Example
In the red	Lacking money, to owe money	I am afraid I cannot afford it. I am in the red.
Out of the blue	Something unexpected	Suddenly, out of the blue, he asked me to marry him.
A white lie	Tell a not-so-serious lie	I don’t support your getting into trouble due to a white lie.
Give someone the green light	To provide permission	I received the green light to travel abroad.
Green with envy	To be envious/jealous	He was green with envy upon seeing her pass the exam.
Drop out	Leave without completing/finishing	She dropped out of college yesterday.
Day and night	Continuous work	I worked day and night to finish this blog.
Pass with flying colours	Pass a test/exam with excellent grades	My daughter passed the finals with flying colours.
Learn by heart	To memorise	I learned the entire chapter by heart.
Bookworm	A person who reads a lot	He will finish the book within hours. He is a bookworm.
Break a leg	Wishing good luck	I hope you break a leg today.
Better late than never	Better to complete something now than never	I learned to drive a car at 30, better late than never.
Practice makes perfect	Improving through practice	I need to practice more to ace the exam, and you know practice makes perfect.
Blind as a bat	Bad eyesight	I am blind as a bat without my glasses.

Some Advanced Idioms for IELTS Speaking With Examples

Here are a few advanced idioms to use in the IELTS speaking test to impress the examiner. However, your idioms must be known to them. 

Idioms	Meaning	Example
In for a penny, in for a pound	She was crying over her stolen phone yesterday but got a job promotion today. Indeed, every cloud has a silver lining.	When Adam’s grandmother was sick, he was in for a penny and in for a pound.
Chip off the old block	A person is similar in actions or behaviour to their parents	When his grandmother saw her grandson getting angry about minor things, she knew he was a chip off the old block.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you	Treat others the same way you would want to be treated	When Adam’s grandmother was sick, he was in for a penny and in for a pound.
Every cloud has a silver lining	Bad things end and lead to good things eventually	She was crying over her stolen phone yesterday but got a promotion at work today. Indeed, every cloud has a silver lining.
Fair and square	Be fair and direct	To be fair and square, I tried everything possible to get you through the concert.

How To Practice Idioms for IELTS?

Before incorporating idioms for IELTS Speaking, you must know how to use these expressions in the proper context. You may have heard that idiomatic languages improve their IELTS scores. However, this statement is incorrect because idioms are only sometimes appropriate in certain circumstances. So, if you are confused about the proper use of idioms, you can practice the below-mentioned things:

Accuracy

Idioms are fixed expressions, meaning one cannot alter their occurrence in a sentence. So, even a tiny mistake can make a huge mistake and make the sentence sound awkward or even comical. 

For instance, you cannot use “sling your hooks” or “I want to sling my hook”.

Here are some common idioms that students can fail to put into a sentence accurately:

Wrong	Correct
Talk to my hand	Talk to the hand
Adam is on 9 clouds	I am on cloud 9
He will pass with a flying colour	He will pass with flying colours

Suitability

One of the most significant issues with idioms for IELTS Speaking is that you must thoroughly understand how and where they can be used. You cannot use them everywhere in your sentence, hoping to score better. 

For instance:

• A few idioms depend on the circumstances and with whom you are talking. For example, to say, “I am sorry your dog kicked the bucket” (died) is highly inappropriate.
• Some idioms are suitable in sarcastic situations, for example, “sling your hook”.
• A handful of idioms are not suitable for use during an interview. They sound better in informal situations. 

Pronunciation

Idioms should be added to a conversation naturally. They must not be forced into a sentence. Moreover, the examiner will evaluate your speaking skills by considering how well you pronounce idioms. So, you must use idioms with all the features of fluent and connected speech.

You must learn phrasal verbs to know which preposition will be appropriate with certain verbs. 

Indeed, idioms for IELTS speaking can add colour to the conversation and help you read between the lines. You can build vocabulary by learning more phrasal verbs and idioms, improving your lexical resource and IELTS score.

Using speaking idioms effectively during the IELTS speaking test can help demonstrate your ability to use less common words and establish the proper placement and style.

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