Useful Idioms for IELTS to Score Band 8.0+

Janet

8 min read

Updated On Dec 10, 2024

Want a Band 8.0+ in IELTS? Master these powerful idioms for IELTS Speaking and Writing. Learn their meanings, usage, and get top tips to impress examiners.

Introduction
What are Idioms?
How do Idioms help in IELTS?
Why Use Idioms in IELTS?
Where to Use Idioms in IELTS?
Most Common Idioms for IELTS Speaking
Tips to Use Idioms for IELTS Speaking to Score 8.0+
FAQS

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Introduction

To achieve a high band score in the IELTS, it is important to sound like a native speaker. One way to do this is to learn popular idiomatic expressions. Native speakers use idioms frequently, so learning them will help you sound more natural and fluent.

We have carefully collected idioms for IELTS exam along with their meanings and examples of how to use them in sentences. We encourage you to practice using these idioms for IELTS Speaking, which is a surefire way to improve your language skills and IELTS band score.

What are Idioms?

Idioms are phrases or expressions that have a figurative meaning that is not easily understandable from the literal meaning of the words. They are often used in everyday speech and writing, and can be a challenge for non-native speakers to understand.

For example, the phrase “a blessing in disguise” doesn’t mean that someone is literally blessed by a disguise. Instead, it means that something that seems bad at first can actually turn out to be good.

How do Idioms help in IELTS?

Idioms can help in IELTS in a few ways:

They can help you to express yourself more fluently and naturally.
They can help you to sound more like a native speaker.
They can help you to score higher in the Speaking and Writing tests.

In IELTS Speaking, idioms can help you to:

Demonstrate your ability to use idiomatic English.
Make your speech more interesting and engaging.

In IELTS Writing, idioms can help you to:

Add interest to your writing.
Make your writing more concise and effective.

However, it is important to use idioms of the day carefully in IELTS. If you use an idiom incorrectly, it can actually lower your score. So, it is important to make sure that you understand the meaning of the idiom and how to use it correctly.

Why Use Idioms in IELTS?

Using idioms in your IELTS Speaking and Writing tasks can:

Showcase advanced language skills
Enhance fluency and coherence
Make your speech more natural and engaging

Note: Use idioms wisely. Overusing them can make your speech sound unnatural, and incorrect usage can lower your score.

Where to Use Idioms in IELTS?

IELTS Section	Where to Use	Tips
Speaking	Use naturally in all parts	Don't overuse, aim for 2-3 idioms per part
Writing	Use in body paragraphs	Avoid idioms in formal academic writing; use sparingly for personal experience essays

Most Common Idioms for IELTS Speaking

Using idioms for IELTS Speaking can help you express yourself more fluently and creatively and help you get a higher band score. Tabulated below are the most common idioms for IELTS Speaking:

Idioms for IELTS	Meaning	Example Sentence
1. A Penny for Your Thoughts	Ask someone who is quiet about what’s on their mind.	For several minutes they sat silently, then finally she looked at him and said, “A penny for your thoughts, Walter.”
2. Against the Clock	Do something as fast as possible before a set time.	With her term paper due on Monday, she was racing against the clock to finish it.
3. Lend an Ear	Listen carefully and in a friendly way to someone.	If you have any problems, go to Claire. She’ll always lend a sympathetic ear.
4. On Cloud Nine	Extremely happy; deliriously happy.	She just bought her first new car and she’s on cloud nine.
5. Bushed	Tired.	I am totally bushed after staying up so late.
6. Hard Feelings	The emotion of being upset or offended.	I am sorry I have to fire you. No hard feelings, okay?
7. Hit the Hay	Go to bed.	It’s 12 o’clock. I think it’s time to hit the hay.
8. Be Sick to Death Of	To be bored and upset due to prolonged unpleasantness.	I’m sick to death of doing nothing but work. Let’s go out tonight and have fun.
9. (Come) Rain or Shine	Regardless of any difficulties.	I will be on time for the class, rain or shine. Come rain or shine, she is always smiling.
10. Be All Ears	Eager and ready to listen.	I’m all ears, waiting to hear your latest excuse for not getting this job done!
11. In the Nick of Time	Just in time, very close to being too late.	I got to the drugstore just in the nick of time. It’s a good thing because I really need this medicine!
12. Fresh/Clean Out Of Something	Sold or used up the last of something.	I have to go buy some more milk. It seems we’re fresh out now.
13. Have/Get Mixed Feelings About Something	Uncertain about something.	I have mixed feelings about my trip to England. I love the people, but the climate upsets me.
14. Give It One’s Best Shot	Do the best that one can.	This test question is really tough! I’ll give it my best shot, and I’ll get some marks for doing my best.
15. In Deep Water	In difficulty or trouble; a dangerous situation.	He has not submitted his dissertation so he’s in deep water.
16. Next to Nothing	To cost very little.	I went to the new discount store and bought these new shoes for only five dollars. That’s next to nothing!
17. To Be Up in Arms About Something	Upset or angry about something.	She has been up in arms about the rent increase.
18. Put Yourself in Somebody’s Shoes	Imagine being in someone else’s position to understand their feelings.	If you put yourself in my shoes, you would understand why I made that decision.
19. At All Costs	Do everything possible to achieve something.	My dream is to become a successful businessman, and I will work hard for it at all costs.
20. Explore All Avenues	Investigate every possible means to find a solution.	We need to explore all avenues before making a decision that might affect a large number of people.
21. On the Ball	Active and aware of things.	Our staff is really on the ball to get projects done on time.
22. Throw in the Towel	Give up on something.	I’ve spent too much time on this project to throw in the towel now.
23. Down to Earth	Practical, realistic, back to reality.	It’s time we were brought down to earth to figure out a difficult situation and offer a good solution.
24. Full of Beans	Lively, active, and healthy.	I really enjoy being with my best friend because he is always full of beans.
25. Get a Head Start	Start before others.	This year we’ll get a head start on the competition by running more advertisements.
26. To Egg On	Encourage someone, often in an unintelligent way.	He continued rash driving while he was being egged on by his foolish friends.
27. To Bite the Bullet	Do something difficult that one is apprehensive about.	Since he was the breadwinner of the house, he had to bite the bullet and take that job.
28. By the Skin of One’s Teeth	Barely; narrowly.	I was saved by my friend by the skin of my teeth from the rushing car.
29. To Sit on the Fence	Be indecisive about something.	He sat on the fence for a week and still couldn’t come to any conclusion.
30. A Tooth for a Tooth	Punish someone for an offense they committed.	She deserved a tooth for a tooth, and I’m glad she got a good one.
31. To Nail on the Head	Find an exact solution to a problem.	All of them were drained and about to leave when Alexis came up with an idea that nailed it on the head.
32. The Last Straw	The final event that worsens a situation.	I was managing all the nuisance created by the students in the class until the interval bell rang as the last straw.
33. When Pigs Fly	Denoting something as impossible.	My mother thought I would study when pigs fly.
34. Speak of the Devil	When someone appears after being mentioned.	Do you know that Chanthy won’t be joining today? Oh, speak of the devil, and here she is.
35. Chip Off the Old Block	Resemble one’s parents.	Their son was just a chip off the old block with blue eyes like his father and a smile that resembled his mother.

Tips to Use Idioms for IELTS Speaking to Score 8.0+

In order to boost your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, here are some IELTS exam preparation tips to help you understand the use of idioms for IELTS Speaking:

Make a note of idioms that use irregular verbs. You will have to conjugate verbs if another tense is used.
Try to use more cultural idioms and phrases for IELTS answers. This helps you to sound like a native speaker of the English language.
You must be well versed in all seven types of idioms, which are, pure idioms, prepositional idioms, partial idioms, binomial idioms, euphemisms, proverbs, and clichés.
Ensure to understand the concept of collocations when incorporating idioms in your IELTS Speaking and Writing answers.
Be natural and comfortable with your answers in IELTS.
Too many idioms can make your answers sound forced and unnatural. Aim to use a reasonable amount of idioms that will make your response sound natural and fluent.

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Incorporating these common idioms for IELTS speaking responses can add depth and authenticity to your IELTS Vocabulary. However, it’s essential to use them appropriately and in context. With the right idiomatic expressions, you’ll impress the examiners and elevate your overall speaking score. Good luck!

Formal idiomatic expressions can enhance your writing and help you get a good band score. If you are looking for more help with your IELTS preparation, sign up for our IELTS online classes!

FAQS

What are some idioms and phrases for IELTS?

Idioms and phrases for IELTS, such as “cut to the chase” (getting to the main point) and “throw in the towel” (give up on something), can enrich your language skills and make your responses more engaging. It is important to choose idioms and phrases that are appropriate for the context and that you are comfortable using.

What are some common idioms used in the IELTS Speaking test?

Common idioms used in the IELTS speaking test include “burning the midnight oil” (working late), “hit the nail on the head” (describe something accurately), To be on the ball (Be alert and aware of what is happening), To be up to one’s ears in work (Be very busy), which can enhance your language proficiency and expressiveness during the IELTS Speaking test.

Are idioms for speaking important?

Yes, idioms for speaking are important as they add depth and fluency to your language, showcasing advanced proficiency and making your communication more engaging and nuanced.

How many idioms should I learn for IELTS Speaking?

There is no set number of idioms that you need to learn for IELTS speaking. However, it is helpful to learn a variety of idioms so that you can use them in a variety of contexts.

How can I learn idioms for IELTS Speaking?

There are many ways to learn idioms for IELTS speaking. You can read books and articles about idioms, watch movies and TV shows, listen to songs, and talk to native speakers.

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