Latest IELTS Idioms: Top Phrases Asked in Speaking Section of IELTS

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

It is crucial for candidates aspiring towards a higher band score in IELTS to polish their vocabulary and show the examiner their skill in using idiomatic language. This is because the IELTS exam evaluates the speaking section with a parameter called lexical resource. This parameter requires candidates to use less common words and IELTS idioms vocabulary to establish collocation and style. 

So, how would one use idioms during a speaking test? More importantly, how to practice phrases for IELTS?

Here is a detailed guide to using phrases and idioms in the speaking test. 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 in summarising a commonly caught cultural experience. For instance, one can use “bite the bullet” when referring to something unpleasant. Interestingly, phrases and idioms are distinct to their country of origin. Idioms used in Spain or France are different from the ones used in English-speaking countries. 

The need to enhance this vocabulary arises from the fact that the objective of the test is to evaluate the language proficiency of a non-native English speaking candidate. Possessing knowledge of cultural slangs, idioms and phrases then makes the candidate a better fit to be amongst native English speakers. 

One important thing candidates need to remember regarding idioms and phrases however, is using the right one at the right place. Many times, candidates try to force a phrase into a sentence to make it sound ornamental. This should be avoided as it makes the meaning unclear and at times illegible.

Here are a few tips for incorporating phrases and IELTS idioms into one’s sentences while attempting the speaking section:

• Avoid over usage

Strategic use of idioms and phrases indeed add colour to the sentence. However, overusing these phrases can feel tedious and confusing to the interviewer. So, candidates must use them wisely.

• Avoid clichés

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

Most Commonly Used Idioms With Examples

Various idioms are commonly used in the day to day life of individuals. The below table mentions the most common of them:

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 he asked me to marry him out of the blue.
A white lie	Tell a not so serious lie	I don’t support the idea of you 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 project.
Pass with flying colours	Pass a test/exam with great 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 really 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, you know practice makes perfect.
Blind as a bat	Bad eyesight	I am blind as a bat without my glasses.

Advanced to Difficult IELTS Idioms With Examples

Using a few difficult idioms during the IELTS speaking test impresses the examiner. However, it is imperative that the idioms that a candidate uses must be known to him/her. Here are a few difficult phrases for IELTS speaking with an example that one can use:

Idioms	Meaning	Example
In for a penny, in for a pound	This phrase indicates that someone is committed to a particular task.	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 as their parents	When his grandmother saw her grandson getting angry about small 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	I realised Peter’s aggression today towards the old beggar. He should do unto others as he would have them do unto him.
Every cloud has a silver lining	Bad things end and lead to good things eventually	She was crying over her stolen phone yesterday, but today she got a promotion at work. Indeed, every cloud has a silver lining.
Fair and square	Be fair and direct	To be fair and square, I tried everything I could to get you through the concert.
Down for the count	Give up/tired	The kid is down for the count after visiting the amusement park.

How To Practice Idioms for IELTS?

Before incorporating IELTS idioms into the speaking test, candidates must know how to use these expressions in the proper context. Most aspirants may have heard that idiomatic languages improve the IELTS score. However, this statement is not always correct because idioms are not always appropriate to use in certain circumstances. So, students who are confused about the proper use of idioms 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 leave a huge mistake and make the sentence sound awkward or even comical. 

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

Here are some common idioms that most students 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 IELTS idioms is that candidates need to have a thorough understanding of how and where they can be used. One cannot use them everywhere in their sentence, hoping to score better. 

For instance:

• Few idioms depend upon the circumstance and with whom one is 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 the IELTS idioms. So, it is crucial that candidates use idioms with all the features of fluent and connected speech.

The best advice to incorporate idioms wisely is to listen to native speakers via any medium and copy phrases that are being used. Also, aspirants must learn phrasal verbs to know which preposition will be appropriate with certain verbs. 

Indeed, IELTS idioms add colour to the conversation and help one to read between the lines. One can build their vocabulary by learning more phrasal verbs and idioms, which will improve their lexical resource, leading to an enhanced IELTS score. 

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