Idioms for IELTS Speaking

Idioms for IELTS Speaking are expressions that don't mean what they say. They're used in everyday conversation to add flavour and interest to what you're saying. Think of them like spices in your language - they can make your speech more engaging and fun!
 

For instance, if someone says they're "feeling under the weather," they don't mean they're literally under the weather. They're just saying they don't feel well.
 

When you're taking the IELTS Speaking test, the examiners are listening for how well you can use this kind of idiomatic language. That is why using them in IELTS can help you to achieve a higher band score.
 

Why Use?

Using idioms can really spice up your language and make it more engaging. They help you sound more natural and fluent in English, which is especially handy for the IELTS Speaking test.
 

So, why should you use idioms when speaking in IELTS?
 

• Using idioms correctly shows that you have a strong command of the English language. It's a great way to showcase your ability to use the language creatively and effectively.
• Idioms often carry meanings that are deeper than their literal words suggest. When you use these in your IELTS Speaking test, you can present your ideas more clearly and persuasively to the examiner. While they might be tricky at first, but with practice, you'll get the hang of even the toughest ones.
• The IELTS speaking test assesses your "lexical resource," which means your vocabulary range. Using idioms can demonstrate that you have a rich vocabulary, which can help boost your band score.

That's why it's crucial to grasp the meaning of idioms and how to use them.

How to Use Idioms: A Beginner’s Guide?

Before you use idioms in your language, It's important to ensure that they are appropriate and used in the correct context. Using them incorrectly can affect your fluency and score. 

Here are some ways how you can use idioms for IELTS speaking:
 

• Don't overdo it: Using idioms strategically is great, but using them too much can come across as unnatural and even annoying. You don't want to give the wrong impression to your examiner!
• Get your verb tenses right: Some idioms use irregular verbs like "gotten" or "drove", so make sure you adjust them according to the tense you're using. Otherwise, it'll be out of context.
• Avoid cliches: Using super common idioms can give the impression that you didn't prepare well. Instead, try to come up with more original sentence structures.
• Context is key: Make sure the idioms you use fit the conversation. Don't force them in where they don't belong! Just be sure to use them in context and appropriately, or it might sound like you're trying too hard.
   

Now, let’s look at the list of common idioms for IELTS speaking.

Idioms are an important part of the English language. They can make your speaking sound more natural. Just ensure not to overuse or use them incorrectly, as it could impact your score.

The list covers 100 of the most common and useful idioms for the IELTS speaking test.

How to use Idioms for IELTS Speaking?

Using idioms in the IELTS Speaking test can make your responses sound more natural and fluent. Choose idioms that fit the context and are commonly used. Practice using them correctly in sentences to ensure they enhance your answer, but avoid overusing or forcing them into your speech.
 

Mentioned below are some of the sample answers where idioms are used in IELTS Speaking:

Cue card topic: Describe a time when you helped someone
 

Sample Answer

Introduction:
 

• I helped a friend prepare for an important exam a few months ago.

Describing Your Experience:
 

• She was struggling with her notes, and I decided to assist her because I’ve always believed in the saying, “a friend in need is a friend indeed.” We studied together for a week, and I explained the concepts she found difficult.

Key Highlights:
 

• It was a bit challenging at first, but I felt it was “worth its weight in gold” when she finally understood the material. She later told me she passed the exam, which made me incredibly happy.

Conclusion:
 

• Helping her not only strengthened our friendship but also gave me a sense of fulfilment.

Here are the meanings of the idioms used in the sample answer:

• A friend in need is a friend indeed: This means a true friend is someone who helps and supports you when you are in trouble or need assistance.
• Worth its weight in gold: This means something is extremely valuable or rewarding, either literally or figuratively. In the sample, it implies that the effort put into helping the friend was highly rewarding when she understood the concepts and succeeded.

Phrasal verbs are tricky combinations of verbs followed by prepositions or adverbs that native speakers use frequently. They make your speech sound more natural and less formal, which can really help boost your score on the IELTS speaking test. So, it’s definitely worth practising and using them correctly in relevant parts during the test.
 

Check out this list of 20 phrasal verbs to help you prepare for the IELTS Speaking Exam.
 

To know more such vocabulary words, click here.

Both idioms and phrases are important for the IELTS Speaking test. 

Idioms can add creative and engaging aspects to your language, making your speech more engaging and interesting. On the other hand, phrases are essential for clear and effective communication.
 

Let’s understand the difference between the IELTS Idioms and Phrases.

Idioms can be tricky to use correctly. You need to understand what they mean, how to use them in context, and how to pronounce them correctly.
 

1. Accuracy matters: Idioms are expressions that can totally change what you're trying to say—if you use them in a right way.  But if you get them wrong, it can be confusing. 
 

Make sure you understand the meaning of each idiom before using it in your IELTS Speaking test. Don't just memorise - learn how to use them in context!

2. Use Suitable idioms: Using idioms is all about appropriateness. You don't want to use a formal idiom in a casual conversation or vice versa. Ensure you're using the right idioms for the right situation, and don't force them in where they don't belong. 
 

It's all about sounding natural and fluent! Practice using idioms in various contexts to ensure you can use them effectively during the IELTS speaking test.
 

3. Pronounce correctly: This is where a lot of people trip up - they know the idiom, but they're not sure how to pronounce it.  Some of these idioms can sound a bit tricky if you're not used to them. 

It's worth practising saying them out loud; maybe record yourself and play it back.

Practise your pronunciation so that you can use idioms confidently and clearly.
 

4. Read and listen to idioms regularly: To get more familiar with idioms, you can watch TV shows or read scripts, articles, or books that people use frequently. Also, listen to English podcasts to hear how native speakers use idioms in everyday conversation.
 

5. Practice: Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you practise using idioms, the more natural they'll sound in your speaking test.

Also Read: IELTS Speaking Practice Test