It’s a Small World – Idiom Meaning, Origin, Examples & IELTS Usage

In IELTS Speaking, using idioms naturally can make your answers sound fluent and engaging. One such idiom is “It’s a small world,” which is perfect for describing surprising encounters or unexpected connections. This blog explores how to use the idiom “It’s a small world” in IELTS Speaking with meaning, origin, examples, scenarios, and exercises, to help you improve speaking fluency and vocabulary for the IELTS exam. 

Meaning of “It’s a Small World”

Definition: The idiom “It’s a small world” is used to express surprise when people or events from different places turn out to be connected.

Origin of the Idiom “It’s a Small World”

While the exact origin is unclear, this phrase has been commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries for hundreds of years, where it is said as “El mundo es un pañuelo”. It highlights the surprising connections between people or events across distances.

Usage of “It’s a Small World” in Context

Here are some example sentences showing how the idiom is used in the IELTS Speaking: 

• My kindergarten teacher is your mother. What a small world!
• I found my watch at an antique shop in Chennai. Small world, isn’t it?
• I hadn’t seen them since high school, and I bumped into him yesterday at the mall. It’s a small world!
• I feel so glad to have met you here. It’s a small world.
• I can’t believe I met you in London, and not India, though we both are from there. It’s a small world.

When to Use the Idiom “It’s a Small World”

You can use this idiom in IELTS Speaking Part 1, Part 2, or IELTS Speaking Part 3 when:

• Talking about surprising coincidences or encounters.
• Sharing experiences about meeting someone unexpectedly.
• Highlighting unexpected connections in travel, school, or work.

Idiom Scenarios

Scenario 1

• Sam: Wait! How do you know her?

• Farzana: She’s my cousin. How do you know her?

• Sam: She’s my best friend. Wow. What a small world!

Scenario 2

• Anita: I am surprised! So, does this mean we were in the same class in middle school?

• Nita: Yes, I just saw the class picture yesterday. Small world, isn’t it?

Sample Answer Using the Idiom “It’s a Small World”

IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Describe a Surprising Encounter

One day, I was traveling to Mumbai for a short vacation, and while waiting at a café, I noticed a familiar face. To my surprise, it was my childhood friend whom I hadn’t met in over ten years. I went up to greet him, and we were both shocked at seeing each other in a completely different city. I said, “It’s a small world!”

We spent the next hour catching up on our lives, sharing memories, and planning to stay in touch. This encounter was unexpected but truly delightful. It reminded me how connected the world is, even when people live far apart.

IELTS Vocabulary Tip for “It’s a Small World”

Using idioms like “It’s a small world” naturally in IELTS Speaking shows your lexical range and makes your answers sound fluent and engaging. Use it to describe coincidences, meetings, or surprising events in your life.

Exercise: “It’s a Small World”

Multiple-Choice Question
Q1: What does “It’s a small world” mean in the sentence below?

“I met my college friend in Paris after ten years. It’s a small world!”

a) The world is physically small
b) A surprising connection or coincidence
c) Travel is easy
d) Friendship lasts forever

Correct Answer: b) A surprising connection or coincidence

Fill-in-the-Blank
Q2: I just found out that my new neighbor is my cousin’s classmate. __________!

a) It’s a small world
b) Break the ice
c) Call it a day
d) Hit the books

Correct Answer: a) It’s a small world

The idiom “It’s a small world” is a simple yet powerful way to express surprise at unexpected connections or coincidences. Using it naturally in your IELTS Speaking answers can showcase your lexical range and make your speech more interesting. Practise it with real-life examples, and you’ll be able to impress the examiner while discussing personal experiences or encounters. 

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.

Also Check: 

• 21+ Tips On How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Band Score
• IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors
• 10 Useful IELTS Speaking Tips to Impress the Examiner
• Useful Idioms for IELTS Speaking to Score Band 8.0+