Mastering IELTS: Essential Idioms for Exam Success

Idioms are an integral part of the English language, adding color and nuance to communication. For IELTS test-takers, a solid understanding and appropriate use of idioms can significantly boost your score, particularly in the Speaking and Writing sections.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to idioms relevant to the IELTS exam, offering definitions, examples, usage rules, and practice exercises to help you confidently incorporate them into your language repertoire. Whether you’re aiming for a band score of 7 or higher, mastering these idioms will give you a distinct advantage.

This guide is designed for IELTS students of all levels who want to improve their understanding and use of idioms. It will be particularly helpful for those who struggle with understanding native speakers or who want to make their own speaking and writing sound more natural and fluent.

By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with a wide range of idioms, along with the knowledge and skills to use them accurately and effectively.

Table of Contents

• What are Idioms?
• Structural Breakdown of Idioms
• Categories of Idioms
• Examples of Idioms for IELTS
  • General Idioms
  • Idioms about Education
  • Idioms about Work
  • Idioms about Technology
  • Idioms about the Environment
• Usage Rules for Idioms
• Common Mistakes with Idioms
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Idiom Usage
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

What are Idioms?

An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal meanings of its individual words. Instead, an idiom’s meaning is figurative and culturally specific.

Idioms add richness and depth to language, making it more expressive and engaging. They are commonly used in everyday conversation and writing, particularly in informal contexts.

Understanding idioms is crucial for comprehending native speakers and achieving a higher level of fluency in English.

Idioms can be classified based on their function. Some idioms act as verbs (e.g., kick the bucket), while others function as nouns (e.g., a piece of cake) or adjectives (e.g., on cloud nine). The context in which an idiom is used determines its specific meaning and impact. For example, “break a leg” is an idiom used to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance, and has nothing to do with actually breaking someone’s leg!

Structural Breakdown of Idioms

Idioms don’t follow standard grammatical rules. Their structure is often fixed, meaning you can’t change the words or their order without altering or destroying the idiom’s meaning.

While some idioms may appear grammatically incorrect, they are accepted as standard expressions within the language. The unique structure of idioms is what makes them distinct from regular phrases.

Many idioms contain prepositions (e.g., get over it, look forward to), while others involve verbs with particles (e.g., give up, take off). Some idioms are metaphorical (e.g., raining cats and dogs), using imagery to convey a specific meaning. Understanding the structure of common idioms can help you recognize and use them more effectively. The best way to learn the structure is through repeated exposure and practice.

Categories of Idioms

Idioms can be categorized based on their themes or the situations in which they are commonly used. Some idioms relate to specific topics, such as money, time, or relationships.

Others are associated with particular professions or activities. Categorizing idioms can make it easier to learn and remember them.

Here are some common categories:

1. Time-Related Idioms

These idioms relate to the concept of time, deadlines, and schedules. They often describe how time is spent or how quickly something happens.

2. Money-Related Idioms

These idioms are used when discussing finances, wealth, and expenses. They often describe financial situations or the value of something.

3. Relationship-Related Idioms

These idioms describe interpersonal relationships, including friendships, family connections, and romantic involvements. They often convey emotions and dynamics between people.

4. Business-Related Idioms

These idioms are commonly used in the workplace to describe projects, tasks, and professional interactions. They can add a layer of professionalism and understanding to business communication.

5. Health-Related Idioms

These idioms describe physical and mental well-being. They can be used to discuss illnesses, recovery, and general health conditions.

Examples of Idioms for IELTS

This section provides a comprehensive list of idioms relevant to the IELTS exam, categorized by common themes. Each idiom is defined, and examples are provided to illustrate its usage in context.

General Idioms

These idioms are versatile and can be used in a variety of contexts. They are essential for everyday conversation and can add depth to your speaking and writing.

The table below provides 30 examples of general idioms, their meanings, and example sentences to illustrate their usage.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
A piece of cake	Very easy	The exam was a piece of cake for her.
Break a leg	Good luck	I told him to break a leg before his presentation.
Hit the books	To study hard	I need to hit the books if I want to pass the exam.
Call it a day	To stop working on something	After working for 10 hours, we decided to call it a day.
Once in a blue moon	Very rarely	He visits his family once in a blue moon.
Kill two birds with one stone	To accomplish two things at once	By taking the bus, I can kill two birds with one stone: save money and reduce my carbon footprint.
The ball is in your court	It’s your turn to take action	I’ve submitted my application; now the ball is in your court.
Bite the bullet	To face a difficult situation with courage	I didn’t want to go to the dentist, but I had to bite the bullet.
Get something off your chest	To talk about something that’s been bothering you	I needed to get it off my chest, so I told her everything.
See eye to eye	To agree with someone	They don’t always see eye to eye on political issues.
Add insult to injury	To make a bad situation worse	Not only did I lose my job, but to add insult to injury, my car broke down.
Barking up the wrong tree	Looking in the wrong place; accusing the wrong person	If you think I stole your pen, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
Beat around the bush	Avoiding the main topic; not speaking directly	Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think.
Best of both worlds	The advantages of two different things	Living in the countryside offers the best of both worlds: peace and quiet, but close to the city.
Burn the midnight oil	Work late into the night	I had to burn the midnight oil to finish the project on time.
Cost an arm and a leg	Very expensive	These designer shoes cost an arm and a leg.
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch	Don’t make plans based on something that hasn’t happened yet	I wouldn’t celebrate too soon; don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
Every cloud has a silver lining	There’s something good in every bad situation	Even though you lost the game, remember that every cloud has a silver lining.
Get a taste of your own medicine	Receive the same treatment you give others	He always teases me, but he got a taste of his own medicine when I teased him back.
Hang in there	Don’t give up	I know it’s tough, but hang in there!
Hit the nail on the head	Describe something perfectly	You hit the nail on the head when you said that.
In the same boat	In the same difficult situation	We’re all in the same boat when it comes to the economy.
Jump on the bandwagon	Join a popular trend or activity	Everyone’s jumping on the bandwagon and buying electric cars.
Keep your chin up	Stay positive	Even though things are hard, keep your chin up.
Let the cat out of the bag	Reveal a secret	I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
Miss the boat	Miss an opportunity	If you don’t apply now, you’ll miss the boat.
On cloud nine	Extremely happy	She was on cloud nine after getting the job.
Pull someone’s leg	To joke or tease someone	I was just pulling your leg!
Speak of the devil	The person you’re talking about appears	Speak of the devil, here he comes!
Take with a grain of salt	Don’t take something too seriously	You should take his advice with a grain of salt.

Idioms about Education

These idioms are particularly useful when discussing education-related topics in the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections. They can add depth and nuance to your responses.

The table below provides 25 examples of idioms related to education, their meanings, and example sentences to illustrate their usage.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Learn by heart	Memorize something	Students need to learn the vocabulary by heart for the test.
Pass with flying colors	Pass easily with a high score	She passed the exam with flying colors.
Hit the books	Study hard	I need to hit the books to prepare for the final exams.
Burn the midnight oil	Study late into the night	He had to burn the midnight oil to finish his thesis.
Cut class	Skip class	He decided to cut class and go to the beach instead.
Bookworm	Someone who loves reading	She’s a real bookworm; she always has her nose in a book.
Brainstorm	Generate ideas	Let’s brainstorm some solutions to this problem.
Copycat	Someone who copies others	He’s such a copycat; he always tries to do what I do.
Drop out	Quit school	He decided to drop out of college to start his own business.
Eager beaver	Someone who is very enthusiastic	She’s such an eager beaver; she always volunteers for everything.
From the old school	Traditional or old-fashioned	My teacher is from the old school and prefers traditional methods.
Get your thinking cap on	Start thinking seriously	Okay, everyone, get your thinking caps on; we need to solve this problem.
Graduate with honors	Graduate with high academic achievement	She graduated with honors from Harvard.
Learn the ropes	Learn how to do something	It takes time to learn the ropes in a new job.
Major in	Specialize in a subject	She decided to major in biology.
Pick someone’s brain	Ask someone for advice or information	Can I pick your brain about this project?
Read up on	Research a topic	I need to read up on the latest research before the meeting.
Show of hands	Vote by raising hands	Let’s take a show of hands to decide.
Teacher’s pet	Favorite student	She’s always been the teacher’s pet.
The school of hard knocks	Learning from difficult experiences	He learned everything in the school of hard knocks.
Ace a test	Do very well on a test	I hope I can ace this test.
Brush up on	Review or improve a skill	I need to brush up on my French before my trip.
Cover a lot of ground	Discuss many topics	We covered a lot of ground in today’s meeting.
Draw a blank	Unable to remember something	I’m drawing a blank; I can’t remember his name.
Get the hang of it	Learn how to do something	It took a while, but I finally got the hang of it.

Idioms about Work

These idioms are useful for discussing workplace scenarios, job applications, and career goals. They can enhance your ability to describe your professional experiences.

The table below provides 20 examples of idioms related to work, their meanings, and example sentences to illustrate their usage.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Call the shots	To make the decisions	As the CEO, she calls the shots in the company.
Get down to business	To start working seriously	Let’s get down to business and discuss the project.
Go the extra mile	To do more than what is expected	She always goes the extra mile for her clients.
Keep your nose to the grindstone	To work hard and diligently	If you want to succeed, you need to keep your nose to the grindstone.
Learn the ropes	To learn how to do a job	It takes time to learn the ropes in a new company.
Move up the ladder	To advance in a career	He’s determined to move up the ladder in his company.
On the same page	To be in agreement	We need to make sure everyone is on the same page before we proceed.
Pass the buck	To avoid responsibility	He’s always trying to pass the buck to someone else.
Put in a good word	To recommend someone	Can you put in a good word for me?
See eye to eye	To agree	They don’t always see eye to eye on business matters.
Think outside the box	To be creative and innovative	We need to think outside the box to solve this problem.
Under the weather	Not feeling well	I’m feeling a bit under the weather today.
Back to the drawing board	Start over	The project failed, so it’s back to the drawing board.
Call it a day	Stop working	After 10 hours, let’s call it a day.
Cut corners	Do something poorly to save money or time	The company is cutting corners to increase profits.
Get the ball rolling	Start something	Let’s get the ball rolling on this project.
In hot water	In trouble	He’s in hot water with his boss.
Keep afloat	Survive financially	It’s hard to keep the business afloat during the recession.
Land a job	Get a job	I hope I can land a job soon.
The bottom line	The most important thing	The bottom line is that we need to increase sales.

Idioms about Technology

These idioms are particularly relevant in today’s world, where technology plays a significant role in our lives. Using these idioms can demonstrate your awareness of current trends.

The table below provides 20 examples of idioms related to technology, their meanings, and example sentences to illustrate their usage.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Plug and play	Easy to use, requiring no special installation	This printer is plug and play; just connect it and it works.
Cutting-edge	The newest, most advanced	The company is developing cutting-edge technology.
User-friendly	Easy to use and understand	This software is very user-friendly.
Go viral	Become popular very quickly online	The video went viral within hours of being posted.
Technologically savvy	Knowledgeable about technology	She’s very technologically savvy.
Digital native	Someone who grew up with technology	Most young people today are digital natives.
Wired	Connected to the internet	Our office is fully wired.
Black box	Something mysterious or complex	The algorithm is a black box; nobody knows how it works.
Byte the dust	To fail or stop working (informal)	My old computer finally bit the dust.
Crash and burn	To fail spectacularly	The project crashed and burned due to poor planning.
Game changer	Something that significantly alters the situation	This new technology is a real game changer.
In the loop	Informed about something	Please keep me in the loop about the project’s progress.
Off the grid	Not connected to the internet or other services	They decided to live off the grid.
On the same wavelength	Thinking alike	We’re on the same wavelength when it comes to technology.
Push the envelope	To innovate or go beyond limits	The company is always trying to push the envelope with its technology.
Reinvent the wheel	To waste time creating something that already exists	We don’t need to reinvent the wheel; let’s use what we already have.
Techie	Someone who is enthusiastic about technology	He’s a real techie; he knows everything about computers.
The future is now	Technology is already advanced	With all these new innovations, the future is now.
Up and running	Working properly	The new system is finally up and running.
Virtual reality	A computer-generated simulation	He’s fascinated by virtual reality.

Idioms about the Environment

These idioms are useful when discussing environmental issues and sustainability. They can help you express your opinions and concerns about the environment in a more engaging way.

The table below provides 20 examples of idioms related to the environment, their meanings, and example sentences to illustrate their usage.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
A drop in the bucket	A very small amount compared to what is needed	Our efforts are just a drop in the bucket compared to the scale of the problem.
Clean up your act	Improve your behavior or actions	Companies need to clean up their act and reduce pollution.
Clear as mud	Not clear at all, confusing	The government’s environmental policy is clear as mud.
Down to earth	Practical and realistic	She’s very down to earth and cares about the environment.
Every cloud has a silver lining	There’s something good in every bad situation	Even the environmental crisis has a silver lining: it’s forcing us to innovate.
Get your hands dirty	Get involved in practical work	We need to get our hands dirty to save the planet.
Green thumb	Good at gardening	She has a green thumb and can grow anything.
In deep water	In a difficult situation	The company is in deep water because of the pollution scandal.
Make a mountain out of a molehill	Exaggerate a problem	Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill; it’s just a small issue.
On the right track	Going in the right direction	We’re on the right track with our environmental policies.
Out of the woods	Out of danger or difficulty	We’re not out of the woods yet when it comes to climate change.
Rock the boat	Cause trouble or disruption	I don’t want to rock the boat by criticizing the company’s policies.
See the forest for the trees	See the big picture	We need to see the forest for the trees and focus on long-term solutions.
Swim against the tide	Go against the majority opinion	He’s swimming against the tide by advocating for renewable energy.
Take a back seat	Take a less active role	The government needs to take a back seat and let the experts handle it.
The tip of the iceberg	A small part of a larger problem	This pollution is just the tip of the iceberg.
Turn over a new leaf	Start behaving better	We need to turn over a new leaf and start protecting the environment.
Under the weather	Not feeling well (can also refer to the environment being unhealthy)	The river is under the weather due to pollution.
Walk on eggshells	Be very careful not to offend someone	We have to walk on eggshells when discussing environmental issues with some people.
Weather the storm	Survive a difficult situation	We need to weather the storm of climate change.

Usage Rules for Idioms

Using idioms correctly requires careful attention to context and meaning. Here are some important usage rules to keep in mind:

1. Understand the meaning: Before using an idiom, make sure you fully understand its meaning and connotations. Using an idiom incorrectly can lead to confusion or miscommunication.
2. Consider the context: Idioms are often informal and may not be appropriate for formal writing or speaking. Choose idioms that are appropriate for the situation and audience.
3. Use them sparingly: Overusing idioms can make your language sound unnatural or forced. Use them judiciously to enhance your communication, not to dominate it.
4. Don’t change the words: Idioms are fixed expressions, so avoid changing the words or their order. Altering an idiom can change its meaning or make it nonsensical.
5. Be aware of cultural differences: Some idioms are culturally specific and may not be understood by people from different backgrounds. Be mindful of your audience and choose idioms that are widely recognized.

Common Mistakes with Idioms

Learners often make mistakes when using idioms. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:

1. Literal interpretation: Interpreting an idiom literally instead of figuratively is a common mistake. Remember that idioms have a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words.
2. Incorrect word choice: Using the wrong words in an idiom can change its meaning or make it nonsensical. Always use the correct words and their proper order.
3. Overuse of idioms: Using too many idioms can make your language sound unnatural or forced. Use them sparingly and only when they enhance your communication.
4. Misunderstanding the context: Using an idiom in an inappropriate context can lead to confusion or miscommunication. Choose idioms that are appropriate for the situation and audience.
5. Ignoring cultural differences: Using idioms that are not widely recognized or understood by your audience can lead to misunderstandings. Be mindful of cultural differences and choose idioms that are appropriate for your audience.

Here are some examples of common mistakes:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
“It’s raining cats and dogs.”	“It’s raining cats and dogs.”	(No mistake). This is the correct idiom.
“To hit the sack.”	“To hit the hay.”	The correct idiom is “hit the hay,” meaning to go to bed.
“Under the weather.”	“Under the weather.”	(No mistake). This is the correct idiom.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of idioms with these practice exercises. Choose the correct idiom to complete each sentence.

Exercise 1: General Idioms

Question	Options	Answer
1. The project was _____, so we finished it quickly.	a) a piece of cake b) a drop in the bucket c) a storm in a teacup	a) a piece of cake
2. I told him to _____ before his big presentation.	a) break a leg b) hit the books c) call it a day	a) break a leg
3. I need to _____ if I want to pass this exam.	a) call it a day b) hit the books c) break a leg	b) hit the books
4. After working all day, we decided to _____.	a) hit the books b) break a leg c) call it a day	c) call it a day
5. He visits his family _____.	a) once in a blue moon b) a piece of cake c) hit the books	a) once in a blue moon
6. By studying at the library, I can _____ : get work done and avoid distractions at home.	a) add insult to injury b) kill two birds with one stone c) bite the bullet	b) kill two birds with one stone
7. I’ve submitted my proposal; now _____.	a) the ball is in your court b) barking up the wrong tree c) beating around the bush	a) the ball is in your court
8. I didn’t want to apologize, but I had to _____.	a) bite the bullet b) get something off your chest c) see eye to eye	a) bite the bullet
9. I needed to _____, so I told her everything that was troubling me.	a) see eye to eye b) get something off your chest c) add insult to injury	b) get something off your chest
10. They don’t always _____ on political issues.	a) see eye to eye b) add insult to injury c) barking up the wrong tree	a) see eye to eye

Exercise 2: Education Idioms

Question	Options	Answer
1. Students need to _____ the vocabulary for the test.	a) learn by heart b) pass with flying colors c) hit the books	a) learn by heart
2. She _____ the exam with a high score.	a) hit the books b) pass with flying colors c) burn the midnight oil	b) pass with flying colors
3. I need to _____ to prepare for my exams.	a) burn the midnight oil b) hit the books c) cut class	b) hit the books
4. He had to _____ to finish his thesis.	a) cut class b) burn the midnight oil c) bookworm	b ) burn the midnight oil
5. He decided to _____ and go to the beach instead.	a) bookworm b) cut class c) brainstorm	b) cut class

Advanced Idiom Usage

To truly master idioms, you need to go beyond simply understanding their meanings. Here are some advanced techniques to help you use idioms more effectively:

1. Vary Your Idioms: Don’t rely on the same few idioms all the time. Expand your vocabulary and use a variety of idioms to keep your language fresh and engaging.
2. Use Idioms Naturally: The best way to use idioms is to incorporate them naturally into your speech and writing. Practice using idioms in everyday conversations and written assignments.
3. Understand the Nuances: Many idioms have subtle nuances that can affect their meaning. Pay attention to the context in which an idiom is used and choose idioms that accurately convey your intended meaning.
4. Use Idioms to Show Personality: Idioms can be a great way to show your personality and add color to your language. Use idioms that reflect your interests and experiences.
5. Listen for Idioms: Pay attention to how native speakers use idioms in conversations, movies, and TV shows. This will help you learn new idioms and understand how to use them correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Mastering idioms is a valuable skill for IELTS test-takers. By understanding the meaning, structure, and usage rules of common idioms, you can enhance your communication skills and achieve a higher score in the Speaking and Writing sections.

Remember to use idioms appropriately and sparingly, and always be mindful of your audience and the context in which you are speaking or writing. With practice and dedication, you can confidently incorporate idioms into your language repertoire and take your IELTS performance to the next level.

Good luck!