50 Useful Idioms & Phrases For IELTS Speaking Test

Some time back, when I was preparing for my IELTS (International English Language Testing System), I discovered certain tips and tricks that helped me score well in it. 

Do you, too, want to learn the tips to score an IELTS band of 8.0 or even higher? For this, you must exhibit native-like proficiency in the use of language, vocabulary, and fluency. Using advanced language skills like idioms can help you in this.

I believe using idioms in my IELTS answers, especially in the Speaking Test, helped me make a substantial impact on the examiner, and I was able to clear the exam with flying colors.

Read on if you want to know how idioms and phrases for IELTS Speaking answers can demonstrate your language ability and increase your chances of scoring well. The article further discusses 50+ best and most common idioms for the IELTS Speaking Test. 

What is an Idiom?

An idiom is an expression or a phrase in a language, the meaning of which is non-literal and not attached to the original phrase. In simple words, an idiom is a group of words whose meaning differs from the meaning of the individual word it comprises.

Idioms are even asked in most English language proficiency examinations. There are many common idioms for IELTS practice that can help you perform better in the exam.

Idioms can be pure idioms, binomial idioms, partial idioms, prepositional idioms, proverbs, euphemisms, and cliches. The common ones are phrasal verbs, prepositional verbs, and partial idioms. For non-native English applicants, learning how to use all these is essential.

What is Verb Phrase and Phrasal Verb?

Verb phrases and phrasal verbs can be quite useful in the IELTS Speaking test. Let us understand their definition and look at some examples.

A verb phrase consists of the main verb and a helping verb. Together, these verbs can help words highlight the person's mood and tone. In such a case, an adverb, preposition, and auxiliaries can be combined with the verb to change the phrase's meaning.

On the other hand, a phrasal verb is a mix of a verb and another element. The other element could be an adverb or a preposition. With an addition of the element, the complete meaning of the verb changes. 

Here is a table with the difference between a phrase verb and a phrasal verb to understand the concept better.  

Aspects	Verb Phrase	Phrasal Verb
Definition	It is a verb having more than one word.	It is a verb followed by a preposition or an adverb.
Additional Elements	Auxiliary or modal verbs are added to the main verb.	Prepositions or adverbs are followed by the main verb.
Verbs	It has more than one verb.	It has only one verb.
Number of Words	It can have up to four words.	It generally has only two words.
Example	Is working, can go, has been, should have been etc.	Turn down, look after, think about, talk through etc.

As idioms, verb phrases, and phrasal verbs are an integral part of the IELTS Speaking exam, we shall explore the list of common and useful idioms & phrases for the IELTS Speaking section. But before we hop on to the list, let us look at why idioms are used in the IELTS Speaking test.

Here are few more Samples Reading Answers for IELTS
The Development Of Plastic	The Development Of Museums Reading Answers	The History Of Salt IELTS Reading Answers
The Psychology Of Innovation	The Story Of Silk Reading Answers	The History of Glass
Biological Control Of Pests Reading Answers	Collecting As A Hobby Reading Answers	The Birth Of Scientific English Reading Answers
Moles Happy As Homes Go Underground	Flawed Beauty The Problem With Toughened Glass	The Need To Belong Reading Answers
New Agriculture In Oregon US Reading Answers	A Song On The Brain Reading Answers	Why Some Women Cross The Finish Line Ahead Of Men
How To Spot A Liar Reading Answers	Gifted Children and Learning Reading Answers	What Do Whales Feel Reading Answers

 

Why Use Idioms in IELTS Speaking?

Idioms are widely used to communicate in English. Non-native speakers may not speak the language as proficient as native people. This evident gap in communication can lead to a lower score on the IELTS test. However, I feel mastering the usage of idioms can result in effective native-like communication and impress the examiner.

You should have a good knowledge of the meaning and usage of the idioms for the IELTS Speaking test because of the following reasons:-

1. Demonstrates Language Ability

Using idioms for the IELTS Speaking test shows your command over the language. Inserting phraseologies into your answers lets the examiner know your ability to understand the language when you visit an English-speaking nation. 

2. Contextual Understanding

Many idioms have metaphorical connotations that go beyond their literal definitions. These idioms for the IELTS Speaking assist in expressing the arguments comprehensively and convincingly to the examiner. Even if you initially face problems appreciating such subtleties, with constant practice, you will be able to understand tough notions.

3. Enhances Vocabulary

Regular use of idioms gradually enhances your vocabulary and language proficiency. In the process, you’ll find that your lexical resource expands along with general confidence in using English idioms. This diverse vocabulary repertoire proves to be beneficial in the IELTS Speaking section.

List of 50 Idioms for IELTS Speaking

To help you prepare, I have made a comprehensive list of 50 essential idioms categorized based on common IELTS themes:-

20 Useful Idioms for IELTS Speaking Exam with Example Question & Answer

S.No.	Idiom	Meaning	Usage (Question)	Usage (Answer)
1	To have a whale of time	It means to enjoy a lot.	Can you tell us something about your hometown?	Start the answer by saying that your native place is Singapore, India, or any place you belong to, and that’s a fantastic destination with a cross-cultural environment. One cannot get bored in Singapore/India as there are engaging activities for every age group. My entire childhood has been a memorable journey. Anyone visiting the city can have a whale of a time.
2	To be on cloud nine	Being extremely happy about something that has happened.	Tell us what you felt after being accepted to your dream college?	I was on cloud nine when I got the news from my parents. It was a lot of hard work and dedication that got me here.
3	It makes my blood boil	It means to be disgusted and infuriated.	How well do you get on with your friends?	My friends are my family. I am a happy and outgoing person; therefore, I have made many friends. I have a lot of good friends, except one. I mainly do not like her because she is too selfish and disappointing. She yells and mistreats me. Even the thought of her makes my blood boil.
4	I hit the ceiling	To become extremely angry.	Tell us about one terrible memory from your childhood days?	Though I do not remember everything clearly, there is something that my parents always talk about. Cycling was always my favorite hobby. My mother got me a new bicycle when I was 13. However, my brother borrowed it, and he crashed it. I hit the ceiling when I got to know about it. Luckily, I got a new one the next day.
5	On the dot	Exactly at the right time.	Tell us about one habit of yours that everyone should have.	I am quite a disciplined person with many good habits. To be precise, I would speak about my punctuality. I feel everyone should be punctual. Whenever I am supposed to reach any place, I am always on the dot. I do not make delays unnecessarily, which has helped me in life.
6	a bad egg	an unpleasant or disreputable person	Have you ever had to deal with a bad egg in your workplace?	Yes, one of my former colleagues was a bad egg who constantly caused problems and created conflicts.
7	Set in their ways	It means not wanting to change.	How would you describe your parents?	My parents are very cooperative in my choices and decisions. They have always helped me become independent. However, they are not very welcoming to a few modern thoughts. They are set in their ways, in that respect. It creates some clashes among us as they always have their own experience.
8	fresh as a daisy	lively, refreshed	What's your mood after a restful night's sleep?	I wake up fresh as a daisy and prepared to face the day after a restful night's slumber.
9	Down in the dumps	It means you are disappointed and sad.	How many colleges did you apply to?	Based on subject requirements and ranks, I had submitted my application to eight colleges, and I was a bit down in the dumps with the results as I got six rejections. Luckily, I soon received admission confirmation from this prestigious college, and I am very happy about it.
10	To be over the moon	It means to feel fulfilled and happy.	What did you do on your last birthday?	My last birthday was the best. I was over the moon because my sister visited us after six years in the USA. It was an emotional yet amazing day. My parents arranged a surprise birthday party in the evening, and I was showered with several gifts.
11	Hit the books	To study hard	How do you prepare for an important exam?	When I need to prepare, I really hit the books.
12	Piece of cake	Something very easy	How do you find cooking?	For me, cooking is a piece of cake.
13	Break the ice	To initiate conversation in an awkward situation	How do you start a conversation at a networking event?	I usually tell a funny story to break the ice.
14	Burning the midnight oil	Staying up late working or studying	How did you manage to complete your project on time?	I was burning the midnight oil for several nights.
15	Catch someone’s eye	To attract someone’s attention	How do you make your presentations stand out?	I use vivid visuals to catch the audience’s eye.
16	a little bird told me	heard something indirectly	How did you find out about the new project?	A little bird told me that the company is planning to launch a new project soon.
17	throw in the towel	admit defeat, give up	When did you decide to throw in the towel on your business venture?	I had to throw in the towel after struggling for two years because the competition was too fierce.
18	Through thick and thin	In good times and bad times	How do you maintain a good friendship?	By supporting each other through thick and thin.
19	Spill the beans	To reveal a secret	How did everyone find out about the surprise party?	Someone spilled the beans at work.
20	On the ball	To be alert and understanding things quickly	How do you stay productive at work?	I make sure I’m always on the ball with tasks.

Now that you know some common and valuable idioms for the IELTS Speaking test, practice them regularly for a good band score.

10 Best Phrases to Use in IELTS Speaking Test

Using a variety of idioms and phrases in the IELTS Speaking Test will show the examiner your fluency and proficiency in the English language. Here are the ten best idioms and phrases for IELTS Speaking that can help you make a strong impression:-

S.No.	Phrases	Usage	Why it works
1	If my memory serves me well	Describe previous interactions or events that may have taken place	Shows a thoughtful disposition when recounting events
2	To be honest	Emphasize the passion and authenticity of your message	Makes you seem open, which might help make your responses appear more credible
3	At the end of the day	Ideally this statement could be used as the final words expressing your major ideas.	Shows your ability to wrap up ideas and concepts effectively
4	I would say that	Use this to present your views or opinions on a subject	Indicates you are open to bearing diverse opinions
5	On the whole	Supports your presentation of a fair perspective	Shows your ability to analyze and consider all angles of a subject
6	In my opinion	Simple approach to present your point of view	Direct and leaves no room for ambiguity
7	If I remember correctly	Use this when you want to recall certain information	Shows that the information remembered is accurate
8	It's worth mentioning that	Utilize this to emphasize a critical point	Accentuates critical aspects, demonstrating that you can do so
9	From my point of view	An additional approach to express your thoughts	Deepens and formalizes your viewpoint
10	As far as I can tell	Use it to offer your personal opinion	Suggests an in-depth review founded on observation

Here are few more Samples Reading Answers for IELTS
Making Every Drop Count Reading Answers	Air Traffic Control In The USA Reading Answers	Bring Back The Big Cats Reading Answers
Alternative Medicine In Australia Reading Answers	The Intersection Of Health Sciences And Geography Reading Answers	Sheet Glass Manufacture The Float Process Reading Answers
The Life And Work Of Marie Curie Reading Answers	What Price Fresh Flowers? - IELTS Reading	Spoken Corpus comes to life Reading Answers

Sample IELTS Speaking Answers Using Common Idioms

When answering the questions in the IELTS Speaking test, using the top idioms for different scenarios can prove helpful. Below are examples that can help you add variations and tone to your language.

1. Describing a Joyful or Exciting Experience

"I was ecstatic to learn that I had got into my dream college! There could not have been a better time. I felt on cloud nine. Finally, I was rewarded for my late nights and struggles."

2. Expressing Disappointment or Dislike Towards Someone

“Sadly, I can’t recommend John for your project. He's proven to be a bad egg on multiple occasions. His punctuality and attitude have proven to be unpredictable and unprofessional.”

3. Describing an Energetic or Lively Person

"My younger sister has always been full of beans. She begins jumping with energy right from morning until she goes to bed at night. 

4. Discussing the Importance of Preparation

"A head start is essential in today's very competitive employment market. Applying for jobs after graduation with relevant experience from internships or voluntary work can be very beneficial."

5. Asking for Someone’s Thoughts or Opinions

"You seem deep in thought. A penny for your thoughts? Your viewpoint on this would be interesting to hear."

6. Acknowledging a Challenging Situation

“Clearly, our approach wasn't resonating with our target audience, so the ball is in your court to come up with fresh ideas."

Read More:

IELTS Score for UK	IELTS Score for USA	Validity of IELTS Score
IELTS Speaking Topics	IELTS Reading Tips	IELTS Preparation Books
Types of IELTS Exam	IELTS Academic vs General	IELTS Exam Pattern

How to Use Idioms in IELTS Speaking Test

Now that you have a list of 50+ idioms and phrases used in the IELTS Speaking Test, let us understand the important do's and don’ts of using idioms in IELTS.

Do’s	Don’ts
If you think the examiner might not understand an idiom, explain it.	Don't assume the examiner knows every idiom, especially uncommon or culturally unique ones.
Pay attention to the examiner's reply and adjust the use of your idioms accordingly.	Using idioms without knowing their meaning or proper application may impair your coherence and fluency.
Practice using idioms in different parts of the IELTS Speaking test	Avoid using informal idioms in a formal testing environment.
Practice idioms for IELTS Speaking with meaning in your responses to ensure you understand their nuances.	Misuse or inappropriately using idioms may damage your credibility.

How Can You Practice Idioms Effectively

Idiomatic expressions are one of the tricky aspects of the language; it takes time and energy to maneuver through them. To effectively incorporate useful idioms, I recommend following the below-mentioned practical tips:-

1. Read and Listen to English Language Daily

Watch TV shows or movies or read scripts, articles, or books by writers who often incorporate idioms. Dedicate enough time to listen to English podcasts. Take a look at how native speakers incorporate idioms into their language in their day-to-day speech.

2. Make Notes

You can write the meanings of idioms and sample phrases so that they can be readily used in a complete sentence. You can also save them as a Word file or PDF in your systems. Turn to these useful idioms for IELTS Speaking PDF often to bring them to use in your daily life.

3. Practice Speaking

Try to include idioms in your regular, daily conversations. Begin by focusing on some of the most frequently used speaking idioms for IELTS, and then gradually build up your IELTS Speaking vocabulary list.

4. Watch IELTS Tutorial Videos

Watch IELTS Speaking videos to gain tips from language experts and determine the level of idioms past applicants have used - learn from their examples.

How Vital are Idioms for Excelling in IELTS Speaking Section

Idioms are quite vital for excelling in the IELTS Speaking section for several reasons:-

1. Fluency and Naturalness

Your English will sound much more natural and fluid when using idioms seamlessly in your answers. It will help you improve your speech and become more confident. It can provide you an advantage over applicants who just used formal language since you will be able to communicate in a style that is more authentic and less stiff.

2. Higher Band Scores

Gaining proficiency with idiomatic language can help improve your lexical resource and eventually help you get a better band score. It is recommended to research and rehearse persistently using IELTS phrases for better preparation. Examiners may note your idiomatic ability, showing you can employ sophisticated and subtle words well and effortlessly.

3. Engaging Speech

The strategic use of idioms can enhance the examiner's interest in your answers. With the distinctiveness and depth these common phrases bring, your English becomes richer and more interesting. The examiner may become more involved as you will be able to convey your points skillfully with vibrant emotions.

Conclusion

While idioms are not mandatory for the IELTS Speaking Test, they can undoubtedly give you a competitive advantage. Incorporating common and-out-of-the box idioms and phrases into IELTS Speaking responses can significantly enhance the naturalness and fluency of your English, demonstrating a higher level of language proficiency.

Regular practice of these expressions, can add color and depth to your answers, making them more engaging for the examiner. Remember, the key is to use them appropriately and in context, ensuring your speech remains clear and the meaning is accurately conveyed.

Recommended Reads:-

IELTS Eligibility	IELTS Registration	IELTS Syllabus
Academic IELTS	IELTS Band Score	IELTS Writing Task 1
IELTS Writing Task 2	IELTS Slot Booking	IELTS Band Score Chart