Sacred Cow – Idiom Meaning, Origin, Examples & IELTS Usage

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, “Sacred Cow,” is a powerful expression to learn and apply when talking about people, beliefs, or institutions that are considered untouchable or beyond criticism.

Meaning of 'Sacred Cow'

Definition: A person, institution, or belief that is regarded with such respect or reverence that it is exempt from criticism or questioning, even if it might deserve scrutiny.

In simpler terms, a “sacred cow” refers to someone or something that people hesitate to criticize, no matter what.

Origin of the Idiom 'Sacred Cow'

The idiom comes from Indian culture, where cows are considered sacred in Hinduism and are not to be harmed. The phrase entered English in the mid-19th century, mainly in American newspapers.

• First recorded use: Janesville Free Press (1854).
• Later appeared in the New York Herald (1890).
• By the early 20th century, it became widely used in politics and journalism to describe people, ideas, or practices seen as untouchable.

Today, it is often used in discussions about politics, business, or society.

Usage of 'Sacred Cow' in Context

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

• “In my country, cricket is treated like a sacred cow; no one dares to criticize it.”
• “Some traditions are sacred cows, even if they no longer make sense in modern times.”
• “The professor is a sacred cow in this university, so nobody questions his decisions.”

When to Use the Idiom 'Sacred Cow'

You can use “sacred cow”  in IELTS Speaking Part 1, IELTS Speaking Part 2, or Part 3 when:

• Talking about politics, leaders, or celebrities.
• Discussing traditions, beliefs, or practices that people follow without questioning.
• Highlighting situations where criticism is avoided.

Idiom scenarios:

Scenario 1:

Friend 1: Do you know that John was summoned y’day?
Friend 2: For what?
Friend 1: Accused of being involved in murder.
Friend 2: But John is working under the Pope. Isn’t it?
Friend 1: He may be a sacred cow to the Pope, but not for all.

Scenario 2:

Friend 1: This politician is a real cheat!
Friend 2: But people treat him as a God.
Friend 1: Yes! To the stupid masses, he remains a sacred cow.

Scenario 3:

Friend 1: Why arent’ people questioning the saint for his stupid punishments ?
Friend 2: Because he is looked upon as a sacred cow.

Scenario 4:

Friend 1: The new collector received a murder threat but she sealed the company. Isn’t she afraid of the anti-social elements?
Friend 2: Oh!. She is a sacred cow. She will not fear these threats.

Sample Answer Using the Idiom 'Sacred Cow'

 IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Do you think traditions should always be followed?

Sample Answer:
I don’t think traditions should be treated as sacred cows. While some customs are valuable, others may not be relevant in today’s world. For instance, in my country, certain outdated practices are still followed simply because they’re considered untouchable. I believe we should respect traditions but also adapt them to modern society.

IELTS Vocabulary Tip for 'Sacred Cow'

Using idioms like “sacred cow” in IELTS Speaking makes your answers more natural and advanced. It’s especially useful in topics about culture, society, or politics, where you need to show critical thinking. Just ensure it fits the context logically.

Exercise: 'Sacred Cow'

Multiple-Choice Question
Q1: What does “sacred cow” mean in the sentence below?
“Education is important, but in some countries, certain teaching methods are treated as a sacred cow.”

a) A religious belief
b) Something considered untouchable and above criticism
c) An outdated idea
d) A common farm animal

Correct Answer: b) Something considered untouchable and above criticism

Fill-in-the-Blank
Q2: “Many old traditions are treated as __________, even if they no longer make sense.”

a) Sacred cows
b) Breaking the ice
c) Golden chances
d) Turning a blind eye

Correct Answer: a) Sacred cows

To summarize, “sacred cow” is a powerful idiom that can make your IELTS Speaking answers sound more thoughtful and expressive. Whether you’re discussing politics, culture, or social issues, this idiom shows strong vocabulary skills. 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+