Leave No Stone Unturned - Idiom of the Day for IELTS

This IELTS idiom “Leave No Stone Unturned” is perfect for responding to questions about using every last chance to achieve something without having second thoughts. The idiom directly means to keep working with every possibility in order to grab a dream or goal and being focused on the work. 

In this blog of ours, you will perfectly learn how to use “Leave No Stone Unturned” accurately in your answers, with sample sentences, meanings, and context-based practice exercises to boost your IELTS exam’s lexical resource score.

Meaning of the ‘Leave No Stone Unturned’ IELTS Idiom

This particular idiom “leave no stone unturned” means to do everything possible, making every effort, or exploring all the available options in order to achieve a dream goal or to solve a problem. It clearly emphasizes persistence, determination, and consistency.

In the IELTS Writing or Speaking, the idiom can be used when you are asked a question about hard work, persistence, dedication, preparation, or even problem-solving strategies.

For example:

“She left no stone unturned as she prepared for her IELTS exam, right from practicing speaking every day to consistently writing essays under timed conditions.”

Where Did the Idiom ‘Leave No Stone Unturned’ Come From?

This phrase dates back to the Ancient Greece. According to a legend, a general named Polycrates tried hiding a treasure under stones, and in the Oracle of Delphi it was advised to him that searchers to “leave no stone unturned” while in their quest. Over the centuries, this expression evolved into an everyday English idiom meaning “search everywhere and get to try every possibility.”

Synonyms of the ‘Leave No Stone Unturned’ Idiom

• Trying every possible way
• Doing one’s utmost
• Sparing no effort
• Going all out
• Giving it one’s best shot
• Pursuing every lead
• Making every possible attempt

Antonyms of the ‘Leave No Stone Unturned’ Idiom

• Giving up easily
• Making half-hearted efforts
• Neglecting opportunities
• Doing the bare minimum
• Leaving things unfinished
• Abandoning an attempt

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using the ‘Leave No Stone Unturned’ Idiom

• Using it in a literal context 

It does not mean physically turning over the stones.

• Applying it to small or trivial matters  

This idiom suggests serious effort and not just casual actions.

• Mixing the words 

This phrase is fixed and hence do not say “leave no rock unturned.”

• Overusing the idiom in formal writing 

The idiom works better in the IELTS Speaking and semi-formal IELTS Writing contexts, and not in highly academic essays.

A Sample Scenario to Use the Idiom ‘Leave No Stone Unturned’

In the IELTS Speaking Part 2, if you are asked to describe a period when you worked hard to achieve something, you can say:

“When my brother was preparing for his final exams, he left no stone unturned. He made sure he revised every subject thoroughly, practiced past exam papers, and even joined in study groups. In the end, his hard work paid off, and he achieved excellent scores.”

This is an example that fits the idiom perfectly because it shows consistent and persistent thorough preparation.

Examples to Understand the Usage of the ‘Leave No Stone Unturned’ Idiom in Sentences

1. The police officers left no stone unturned in their search for the missing gold.
2. He left no stone unturned to make sure of the success of his business.
3. My team left no stone unturned in their efforts to win the final competition
4. Ritu left no stone unturned while preparing for her IELTS test.
5. The scientists left no stone unturned in getting to find a solution to the virus problem.
6. When I apply for this scholarship, I left no stone unturned to gain my goal.”
7. ” We promise to find your stolen car. We’ll leave no stone unturned“
8. “Both methods have vowed to leave no stone unturned in the search for the effective production”

Getting a hold of idioms like ‘Leave No Stone Unturned’ not only enriches your vocabulary but also helps you sound more natural and fluent in IELTS Speaking. Practice using such expressions in real-life contexts to boost your band score. 

If  you’re aiming for a higher band score, make sure to practice idioms in context and check out the IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+ to further enhance your vocabulary and overall test performance.

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