Be All Things To All Men - Idiom of the Day for IELTS Speaking & Writing

Using idiomatic expressions in the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections helps enhance the way you present your answers by making ideas sound more natural. In particular, the idiom ‘Be All Things To All Men’ is useful for discussing an individual who attempts to satisfy everyone by changing their behaviour, opinions, or actions. This idiom has a specific application in IELTS Exam when dealing with leadership, personality traits, or social issues in general. 

What does ‘Be All Things To All Men’ Mean?

The proper contextual use of idioms such as ‘Be All Things to All Men’ can not only make your answers stand out but also make it easier for you to recall. However, you need to learn how to incorporate it effectively in your sentences to get an IELTS Band Score of 8+. This would help you use the word in your conversations seamlessly without sounding forced. Therefore, let’s first check out the meaning, synonyms, and examples for the IELTS Speaking & Writing sections which are given in the table below.

Want to learn 9 Useful IDIOMS for Any Topic in IELTS Speaking Section? Check out the video given below!

When to Use ‘Be All Things To All Men’ for IELTS Speaking & Writing?

As you prepare yourself to answer the IELTS Speaking & Writing sections, you can use this idiom ‘Be All Things To All Men’ while describing leadership traits and addressing social problems or even dealing with office issues. However, you must know when and how to express ideas that are idiomatically correct. The following suggests the situations where you can use this idiom appropriately.

• Personality & Character 

You can use this idiom while describing people who try too hard to fit in.  

• Work & Career 

Use this idiom when talking about leadership or teamwork.  

• Politics & Society 

• Government & Policies  

• Education  

• Work & Business  

Exercise on ‘Be All Things To All Men’ for IELTS Speaking & Writing

Let’s continue learning more about the idiomatic expressions ‘Be All Things To All Men’. The exercise given below is both fun and insightful, as it would help master the efficiency of using the idiom in your everyday expressions.

Emma: I’m really nervous about my first week at the new office. I feel like I need to 1 ______________ to make everyone happy.

Liam: Don’t worry too much! Focus on your main responsibilities first; you can’t please everyone at once.

Emma: Yesterday, I accidentally missed submitting the monthly report. I really 2 ______________.

Liam: That happens! Probably you can re-check it once more next time. 

Emma: Oh, and guess what? I got a surprise bonus for my first month! I am 3 ______________. 

Liam: That’s great! You deserve it after all the hard work.

Emma: The meeting worries me because I have to address the senior team. Any tips?

Liam: 4 ______________, you could share a brief joke or a quick fun fact. A little humor has a way of lightening the atmosphere.

Emma: In our sector, the rivalry is increasing, and it looks like we need to 5 ______________ so we don’t lose out.

Liam: I agree. There’s no alternative but to keep getting better.

Emma: The new training program looks challenging, but I know I have to 6 ______________ and complete it.

Liam: Indeed! There’s a lot to learn from such challenges.

Describe the person that you like to go with. Try to use this idiom in your speech. You should say:
– Who is he or she
– What he or she looks like
– What you usually do when you go with him or her
And explain why you like to go with him or her

Answer to the Exercise on ‘Be All Things To All Men’ for IELTS Speaking & Writing

Well done! Attempting this exercise is the first step towards attaining a higher band score. Let’s check the right answers and compare them with yours. Remember to note down any mistakes and analyze the reason behind your assumptions. This will enhance your learning skills while making you confident to use the idiom ‘Be All Things To All Men’.

1. Be all things to all men
2. Drop the ball
3. On cloud nine
4. Break the ice
5. Raise your game
6. Bite the bullet

Next time you discuss balance, limitations, or compromise, use the idiom effectively in Speaking & IELTS Writing answers. This will deepen your understanding of new vocabulary words and give you an environment to speak or write with purpose. Remember to practice using them in regular conversation so that you do not hesitate or fit them in sentences abruptly. So, explore more idioms like this and level up your proficiency level for the English language.

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Also Check: 

• Five Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary
• 1200 Common Words in IELTS Listening
• IELTS Vocabulary Words List for Band 8 or 9
• How to Build Vocabulary for the IELTS Exam: Practical Tips
• IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+