Check out other Idioms
Reinvent the Wheel Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
The wheel, one of humanity’s greatest inventions, symbolizes efficiency and progress. To ‘reinvent’ it, therefore, suggests doing unnecessary work or repeating something that has already been done effectively. As a result, the idiom ‘reinvent the wheel’ expresses the futility of doing something that has already been done more vividly. This blog will unpack the meaning, historical roots, varied contexts of use, synonyms, IELTS-specific applications of the idiom ‘reinvent the wheel’, and exercises to help you use it naturally and appropriately and boost your IELTS vocabulary score. Reinvent the Wheel Idiom: Meaning The idiom ‘reinvent the wheel’ means: To waste time or effort...
5 min read
Updated On
Castles in the Air Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
When people dream about things that are nearly impossible or have little chance of being achieved, they are said to be building ‘castles in the air’. The phrase remains popular in literature, speeches, and even academic discussions because it beautifully captures the concept of chasing illusions. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom ‘castles in the air’ and provide examples from the IELTS exam. Castles in the Air Idiom: Meaning The idiom ‘castles in the air’ means having unrealistic plans, ideas, or hopes that are unlikely to materialize. It reflects ambition without practicality...
5 min read
Updated On
Make One's Hair Stand on End Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
Usually, when we watch a horror movie, especially one with jump scares, we become scared and can feel our hair stand on end or get goosebumps. The idiom ‘make one’s hair stand on end’ captures that feeling perfectly. It conjures a chilling mental image. This blog explores the meaning, origin, and IELTS-specific usage of the 'make one’s hair stand on end’, a common idiom in IELTS Speaking, along with exercises to help you understand it better. Make One's Hair Stand on End Idiom: Meaning The idiom ‘make one’s hair stand on end’ means ‘to feel extremely frightened, horrified, or shocked, often...
5 min read
Updated On
Tough It Out Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
Life is rarely smooth sailing. From academic challenges to personal hardships, we often face situations that test our strength and patience. In English, one powerful idiom that captures the essence of enduring difficult situations with resilience is ‘tough it out’. So, upgrade your word and expression list with the latest IELTS Speaking vocabulary to boost your score and sound natural. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom ‘tough it out’ and provide examples from the IELTS exam. Tough It Out Idiom: Meaning The idiom ‘tough it out’ means to endure hardship, discomfort, or challenges...
5 min read
Updated On
Upset the Applecart Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
Have you ever been in a situation where you were doing something the right way and were almost going to complete it, but suddenly it all went wrong? The idiom ‘upset the applecart’ or ‘topple your applecart’ defines such a situation perfectly. It paints a picture of unexpected disruption and can be used to describe unpredictable situations or challenges in IELTS Speaking. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom ‘upset the applecart’, and provide practice exercises to master it appropriately. Upset the Applecart Idiom: Meaning The idiom ‘upset the applecart’ means to spoil...
5 min read
Updated On
Be on Thin Ice Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
Imagine walking on a thin layer of ice that can crack with any wrong move and how dangerous the situation can be. It is literally what the idiom ‘be on thin ice’ means or expresses. So, while describing a danger or a risky situation for IELTS, you can definitely use this idiom to add more depth, making your answers more precise and impactful. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom ‘be on thin ice’, one of the common idioms in IELTS Speaking, and take up exercises to cement your understanding. Be on Thin...
5 min read
Updated On
Have A Sinking Feeling Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
Language has a unique way of capturing emotions through expressions like idioms. One such powerful yet common idiom in IELTS Speaking is ‘have a sinking feeling’. Unlike simple words such as ‘fear’ or ‘anxiety’, the idiom paints a mental picture of a person metaphorically ‘sinking’ inside, which makes the emotion far more relatable. Therefore, understanding this idiom not only enhances everyday communication but also strengthens writing, especially for IELTS learners aiming for higher band scores. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom ‘have a sinking feeling’ and provide examples from the IELTS exam. Have...
5 min read
Updated On
Don’t Spare the Horses Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
In the high-speed world of urgent tasks and immediate results, there is an idiom that perfectly captures the demand for urgency and speed, ‘don’t spare the horses’. It may sound like something from an old western or a historical drama, but its figurative meaning is just as relevant in modern workplaces, emergency situations, and even IELTS Speaking tests. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom ‘don’t spare the horses’, and provide examples. Don’t Spare the Horses Idiom: Meaning The idiom ‘don’t spare the horses’ means to act or proceed with maximum speed or effort, without holding...
5 min read
Updated On
Bottom of the Barrel Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
Imagine rushing to the flash sale you were waiting for the whole year or reaching out in the cookie jar for your favourite, only to find your most desired item sold or only crumbs left at the bottom. The idiom, bottom of the barrel, describes exactly that feeling. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom ‘bottom of the barrel’ and provide examples from the IELTS exam. Bottom of the Barrel Idiom: Meaning The idiom ‘bottom of the barrel’ refers to the worst or least desirable people or things in a group. In simpler...
5 min read
Updated On
Close but no Cigar Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
Sometimes, in life, we nearly win or achieve something, only to fall just short at the end. One powerful and common idiom in IELTS Speaking that describes such moments is ‘close but no cigar’. This blog explores the meaning, origin, and IELTS-specific usage of the 'close but no cigar' idiom, along with exercises to solidify your understanding. Close but no Cigar Idiom: Meaning The meaning of the idiom ‘close but no cigar’ is as follows: Be very close to accomplishing a goal but fall short Almost successful in doing something, but not quite Fall just short of a desired outcome, and get...
4 min read
Updated On
Turn Turtle Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
Life being uncertain, there are situations where things change completely or there is a sudden reversal in situations. One of the useful idioms for IELTS Speaking to score band 8.0+ and explain such a situation is ‘turn turtle’. Whether you are describing a business collapse, a boat capsizing, or a plan gone awry, this idiom convey the ideas perfectly. In this blog, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom ‘turn turtle’, and provide examples for IELTS Speaking. Turn Turtle Idiom: Meaning The idiom ‘turn turtle’ means to capsize, overturn, or end up on one’s back unexpectedly. Figuratively, it...
5 min read
Updated On
Monkey Business Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
From classrooms and corporate offices to childhood memories and adult frustrations, we have all encountered moments that lacked seriousness or involved sneaky behavior. In such cases, English speakers often use the vibrant idiom ‘monkey business’. It adds a richness in imagery and meaning when used to describe playful pranks or suspicious actions. So, for IELTS candidates aiming to impress with idiomatic range, ‘monkey business’ is a golden phrase that reflects both playfulness and precision. In this blog, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom ‘monkey business’, one of the useful idioms for IELTS Speaking to score band...
6 min read
Updated On
Everything but the Kitchen Sink Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
Imagine someone packing for a weekend trip and bringing not just clothes and toiletries but also an iron, a blender, a pillow, six books, and a yoga mat. You might say, ‘They brought everything but the kitchen sink!’. This vivid, humorous idiom captures the absurdity of over-preparing or including excessive items. Whether it is in conversation, writing, or IELTS essays, this idiom is one of the best phrases to use in IELTS Speaking to paint a picture of excessiveness. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom ‘everything but the kitchen sink’, and provide examples,...
5 min read
Updated On
Get down to Business Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
As an IELTS candidate or someone working hard to fulfil their professional ambition, you must be determined to achieve something or complete a task successfully. This demonstration of urgency, dedication, and hard work is expressed by the idiom, get down to business. Unlike vague phrases like ‘start now’, this idiom conveys readiness, intent, and a no-nonsense approach, the kind of expression that signals maturity and fluency to IELTS examiners. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom ‘get down to business’, and provide examples, especially for IELTS Speaking. Get down to Business Idiom: Meaning...
5 min read
Updated On
At Your Wit's End Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve exhausted every possible solution, but nothing seems to work, and you don’t know what else to do? That’s when the idiom ‘at your wit’s end’ becomes relevant and extremely expressive. In the IELTS Speaking tasks, especially when describing challenges, emotional pressure, or problem-solving, using such idioms demonstrates advanced vocabulary and natural tone. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom ‘at your wit’s end’ and provide examples for IELTS Speaking and Writing. At Your Wit's End Idiom: Meaning The idiom ‘at your wit’s end’ describes a...
5 min read
Updated On
Grasping at Straws Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
You might have come across situations where you are desperately trying to solve a problem or protect yourself with whatever ideas or efforts you can at that moment. The idiom, grasping at straws, explains such situations. In IELTS, understanding and using such idioms appropriately can help you impress examiners with both your fluency and your cultural competence. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom grasping at straws’ and provide examples from the IELTS exam. Grasping at Straws Idiom: Meaning The idiom, grasping at straws, means to attempt something with little hope or logic,...
4 min read
Updated On
Rank and File Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
In the IELTS exam, students are often asked to discuss topics like leadership, teamwork, workplace roles, or government systems. In such contexts, using useful idioms for IELTS Speaking to score band 8.0+, such as ‘rank and file’, can add fluency and lexical flexibility to your language. This blog explores the meaning, origin, and IELTS-specific usage of the 'rank and file' idiom, along with exercises to solidify your understanding. Rank and File Idiom: Meaning The idiom ‘rank and file’ refers to the ordinary or lower-level members of an organisation, such as employees, workers, soldiers, or party members, as opposed to leaders or...
5 min read
Updated On
To Go Pear-Shaped Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
If you are preparing for the IELTS and want to showcase native-like fluency, idioms like ‘to go pear-shaped’ can be powerful additions to your vocabulary, particularly when discussing plans, problems, or unexpected outcomes. This idiom is especially handy for IELTS Speaking Part 2 or 3, where candidates often talk about plans gone wrong, mistakes, or dealing with failure. It captures a sudden shift from success to failure, and using it correctly shows a strong lexical resource. This blog explores the meaning, origin, and IELTS-specific usage of the 'to go pear-shaped' idiom, along with exercises to solidify your understanding. Check out the short...
6 min read
Updated On
Done to a Turn Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
When you have a meal at your favourite restaurant or any eatery, you enjoy it because it is perfectly cooked. Since food and restaurants are common topics in IELTS, you need to add more vocabulary related to this topic instead of repeating phrases like ‘perfectly cooked’. This is where the idiom ‘done to a turn’ can help you out. Though culinary in origin, it also serves metaphorical uses in academic writing and high-level conversation. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom ‘done to a turn’, and provide examples for IELTS Speaking and Writing. Done...
4 min read
Updated On
The Silent Majority Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
In the realm of public opinion and political discourse, one expression that often surfaces in speeches and debates is ‘the silent majority’. For IELTS test-takers, particularly in Speaking and Writing tasks that explore topics like society, government, or protest movements, mastering useful idioms for IELTS Speaking to score band 8.0+ like this one, can give your language a sophisticated edge. In this blog, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom ‘the silent majority’ and provide examples from the IELTS exam. To learn more idiomatic expressions, check out the video below for a few more that will help you...
5 min read
Updated On
