At a Push - Idiom of the Day for IELTS Speaking

Using idioms naturally and accurately can help you stand out in the IELTS Speaking test by demonstrating a wider range of vocabulary. One useful idiom to express something that is barely possible but difficult is “At a Push.”

What Does “At a Push” Mean?

Definition:
At a push means that something is probably possible, but it will be difficult or require a lot of effort.

This idiom is commonly used in everyday English to describe situations where something can be achieved, but only just often under pressure or with extra effort.

Origin and Background of the Idiom "At a Push"

The phrase “at a push” comes from the idea of pushing or forcing something to happen, even if it’s not easy. It is widely used in British English and understood in many English-speaking contexts as describing a borderline or tight situation where success is possible but challenging.

In IELTS Speaking, this idiom is perfect for discussing topics like time management, difficult goals, or limits of possibility.

Examples of “At a Push” in Sentences

Using idioms naturally and correctly is essential for IELTS. Here are some common examples of “at a push”:

• “Actually, I could finish the report by Wednesday – at a push, Tuesday.”
• “I can probably raise another seventy or eighty thousand at a push.”
• “Ben can win this game or at a push, break a record in this game.”

When to Use “At a Push” in IELTS Speaking

This idiom works well when talking about:

• Deadlines and time constraints
• Achieving difficult goals
• Limited resources or possibilities
• Challenging situations that require extra effort

IELTS Speaking Part 1

Q: Can you meet tight deadlines?
A: “I usually can, but only at a push. I prefer to start early to avoid last-minute stress.”

IELTS Speaking Part 2

Cue Card: Describe a time when you tried to do something difficult.
A: “Last year, I had to prepare for my final exams and complete a big project. I thought it was impossible to do both well, but at a push, I managed to finish everything on time by organizing strict study schedules and staying focused.”

IELTS Speaking Part 3

Q: How do people handle difficult situations today?
A: “Many people work under pressure and achieve their goals at a push, especially with the competitive nature of jobs and studies nowadays.”

Exercises to Test Your Knowledge on "At a Push"

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank

The sentence below contains an idiom. Choose the best meaning of the idiom in the sentence.

Question: “Cristiano Ronaldo is the best football player in this year. He, at a push, probably gain a plex lagoon king title in this championship.”

• A. Cristiano Ronaldo can’t win a plex lagoon king title.
• B. Cristiano Ronaldo might gain a plex lagoon king title.
• C. Cristiano Ronaldo pushed someone.
• D. Cristiano Ronaldo was pushed for time 

Correct Answer: B

Exercise 2: IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Sample Answer Using “At a Push”

Cue Card:
Describe a time when you tried to do something difficult.
You should say:

• When it happened
• What you were trying to do
• How you tried to achieve your goal
• How you felt during this time

Sample Answer:
“Last semester, I had to complete two major assignments and prepare for exams within one week. I thought it was impossible to manage everything well, but at a push, I managed to finish my work by prioritizing tasks and studying late into the night. It was stressful, but I felt proud afterward because I didn’t give up.”

Using the idiom “at a push” naturally and accurately in your IELTS Speaking responses demonstrates your ability to convey subtlety and nuance in English. This idiom allows you to express situations that are barely possible but achievable with effort, adding depth to your answers. By incorporating “at a push” along with other related idioms, you can make your speech sound more natural and engaging, ultimately boosting your confidence and improving your overall speaking band score.

If you're aiming for top scores, follow the IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+ to further enhance your vocabulary and overall test performance.

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