Idiom – On Top of the World: Meaning, Origin, IELTS Speaking Examples

When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, using idiomatic expressions naturally and correctly can boost your score, particularly in the Lexical Resource criterion. Today’s idiom, "On Top of the World," is a powerful expression to learn and apply when talking about happiness, success, or moments of great joy.

Meaning of 'On Top of the World'

Definition:
To feel extremely happy, content, or ecstatic. This idiom expresses a state of great joy or personal triumph.

In simpler terms, when someone says they are “on top of the world,” it means they are experiencing a peak moment of happiness or success.

Origin of the Idiom 'On Top of the World'

The phrase has been used since the early 20th century, appearing frequently in literature and publications. Writers used this idiom to describe feelings of glory or to depict someone at the peak of their achievements or happiness.

Usage of 'On Top of the World' in Context

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

• After her daughter won first prize, she was on top of the world.
• When he heard his baby cry for the first time, he was on top of the world.
• She was trying to get promoted for many years, and when she finally succeeded, she was on top of the world.
• My father was on top of the world when I handed over my first salary to him.
• Post winning the championship, Rohit was on top of the world.

When to Use the Idiom 'On Top of the World'

You can use “on top of the world”  in IELTS Speaking Part 2 or IELTS Speaking Part 3, when you’re:

• Describing moments of personal achievement or happiness.
• Talking about feelings after success or good news.
• Narrating experiences where you felt proud or ecstatic.

Idiom Scenarios:

Scenario 1:

Janet: Congratulations! You deserve this award for the Best Entrepreneur.
Rose: Thank you! But did you know? When I heard the announcement, It was a surreal moment for me, I was on top of the world?

Scenario 2:

John: Hey Keith, You look delighted today! What’s the matter? Share it with me too.
Keith: Yeah, I am on top of the world today, I asked my girlfriend to marry me, and she said, Yes!
John: Congratulations! Bro! A lifetime of happiness to both of you.
Keith: Thanks, John!

Sample Answer Using the Idiom 'On Top of the World'

IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Describe a time when you felt very happy:
"One moment I will never forget is when I got promoted at work after years of hard effort. When I received the news, I felt on top of the world because it was a recognition of my dedication and skills. It gave me a huge boost of confidence and motivation."

Synonyms and Related Expressions for 'On Top of the World'

Common Mistakes to Avoid while Using 'On Top of the World'

• Don’t use this idiom for ordinary happiness; it implies a very high level of joy or success.
• Avoid using it in negative or neutral contexts since it always expresses positive emotions.

IELTS Vocabulary Tip for 'On Top of the World'

Using idioms like “on top of the world” in your IELTS Speaking answers shows that you can speak naturally and vividly. This idiom helps you express strong emotions and makes your language more engaging. Just be sure to use it in the right context to sound authentic.

Exercise: 'On Top of the World'

Multiple-Choice Question
Q1: What does “on top of the world” mean in the sentence below?
"She was on top of the world after receiving her exam results."

a) Feeling angry
b) Feeling extremely happy
c) Feeling confused
d) Feeling tired

Correct Answer: b) Feeling extremely happy

Fill-in-the-Blank
Q2: "When I got the job offer, I was ________."

a) On top of the world
b) Under the weather
c) Down in the dumps
d) Over the hill

Correct Answer: a) On top of the world

To summarize, “on top of the world” is a versatile idiom that can make your IELTS Speaking answers sound more natural and expressive. Whether you’re describing moments of success, joy, or pride, using idioms like this can help you stand out. Just be sure to use them appropriately. 

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+