Common Idioms: Useful For IELTS Speaking Exam

An idiom is a group of words in an order with a particular meaning while the meaning of each word is different. Applicants should have good knowledge of idioms for the IELTS speaking test. Mastering idiomatic vocabulary will also increase your IELTS band score and written English.

Idioms can be pure idioms, binomial idioms, partial idioms, prepositional idioms, and proverbs. The common ones are phrasal verbs, prepositional verbs, and partial idioms. For non-native English applicants, it is necessary to learn the usage of all of these idioms. Idioms are used in a natural way by native speakers and that is not noticeable even we are also unaware of using that idioms in our language because we have grown up listening to these idioms. But when you are a language learner, you have to learn how to use those idioms correctly so that it doesn't look unnatural.

Importance of Using Idioms for IELTS Speaking

Common idioms play a major role in enhancing your language proficiency and communication skills. Here are some reasons for using idioms for IELTS Speaking which are as follows:

  1.  The usage of idioms shows that you are comfortable with the language and it creates a natural effect. You become fluent in using the language.
  2. This helps to express our emotions in a concise manner.
  3. When you use idioms accurately it creates a good impact on the examiner as he gives you a good score and this signifies that you have a good and deep knowledge of the language.
  4.  The usage of idioms shows that you have a rich understanding of language which is necessary for scoring high in the IELTS speaking exam.

It is important to use idioms naturally and it enhances your language skills and showcases your ability to use a wide range of vocabulary. It is important to use them appropriately. Using them inappropriately can have a bad effect. Make sure you start practicing using idioms to become comfortable with their usage before the IELTS speaking exam.

Common Idioms for the IELTS Speaking Exam

Some common idioms along with their usage for the IELTS speaking exam are as follows:

  •  To Be On Cloud Nine

Meaning- To be extremely happy or delighted.

 Usage: 1. I have finally landed my dream job! I am on cloud nine. 

 2. He was on cloud nine after winning the race.

  • A Piece Of Cake
Meaning- Something very easy. 

 Usage: 1. The girl found the exam to be a piece of cake because it was incredibly easy. 

 2. You will have to work really hard for the theory part of the exam but the practical part will be a piece of cake because you have been practicing for so long.

  • A Blessing In Disguise:

Meaning- Something that seems bad at first but results in good.

Usage: 1. Losing that job turned out to be a blessing in disguise for her because she found a better opportunity.

2. The lockdown proved to be a blessing in disguise. It gave me a lot of career opportunities to work from home.

  • In The Same Boat

Meaning- In the same situation or circumstance.

Usage: 1. In times of economic problems, it is important to remember that we are all in the same boat, trying to secure our livelihoods.

2. We may have different backgrounds but when it comes to fighting for justice we are all in the same boat.

  • Keep your fingers crossed


Meaning- To hope for good luck.

Usage: 1. I think I did pretty well in exams and I am keeping my fingers crossed. 

 2. We are waiting for our semester exam results so keep your fingers crossed that everything turns out fine.

  • In Hot Water

Meaning- To be in trouble or facing difficulties. 

Usage: 1. He had to work overtime to bring all his accounts up to date before he got into hot water with his boss. 

 2. The company's fraudulent products caused multiple injuries putting them in hot water with consumers.


Frequently asked questions

What is an idiom for happy?

You could use an idiom like I am on cloud nine or I am over the moon. Even if like most of us, you haven't been to the moon, you can still use that idiom.

Are idioms used in IELTS Speaking?

To score band seven or more, applicants need proficiency in vocabulary and expertise in using idioms for the IELTS speaking test. Non-native speakers may not speak the language as proficient as when compared to native people.

Does IELTS check grammar?

Grammar is not directly tested in IELTS as there is no particular section for grammar testing but you should be still aware of a good understanding of the language and use the correct grammar to boost your band scores.

What is an idiom for a fight?

The idiom “fight like cats and dogs” is used to describe two people who are constantly fighting with each other.

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