Idioms are fun phrases that mean something different from the actual words inside them. People use them to make their speaking and writing sound natural, colorful, and engaging. In this article, you will learn fifty special idioms that all help you score higher on your IELTS exam.
In this lesson, we’ll look at idioms that mean talking, working hard, or succeeding in tests. Let’s get started and explore some of these helpful expressions.
Idioms for IELTS
1. Hit the books
Definition: This means to study very hard for a test or class.
Used in a Sentence: I need to hit the books tonight before my English exam tomorrow. / She spent the whole weekend hitting the books to prepare for university.
Similar Expressions: Study hard / Review notes
2. Piece of cake
Definition: This describes something that is very easy to do.
Used in a Sentence: The listening section of the test was an absolute piece of cake. / Do not worry about the interview because it will be a piece of cake.
Similar Expressions: Very simple / Easy task
3. Burn the midnight oil
Definition: This means to stay up late working or studying.
Used in a Sentence: He had to burn the midnight oil to finish his writing task. / Do not burn the midnight oil too often or you will feel tired.
Similar Expressions: Study late / Work overtime
4. Ace up your sleeve
Definition: This means having a secret advantage or clever trick ready to use.
Used in a Sentence: Knowing grammar rules well is a great ace up your sleeve for IELTS. / She always keeps an ace up her sleeve for difficult questions.
Similar Expressions: Secret trick / Hidden advantage
5. Cut corners
Definition: This means doing something poorly or quickly to save time or money.
Used in a Sentence: You should not cut corners when writing your IELTS essay. / If you cut corners on your practice tests, your score will suffer.
Similar Expressions: Take shortcuts / Do sloppy work
6. Draw a blank
Definition: This means failing to remember something when you need it.
Used in a Sentence: I drew a blank when the examiner asked me a tough vocabulary word. / Do not panic if you draw a blank; just take a deep breath.
Similar Expressions: Forget completely / Mind goes blank
7. Caught between a rock and a hard place
Definition: This means being in a difficult situation with two bad choices.
Used in a Sentence: Choosing whether to rush or skip a question put him between a rock and a hard place. / She felt stuck between a rock and a hard place during the speaking test.
Similar expressions: Difficult spot / Tough dilemma
8. Cost an arm and a leg
Definition: This means something is extremely expensive.
Used in a Sentence: Preparing for overseas studies can sometimes cost an arm and a leg. / Buying every single English textbook does not have to cost an arm and a leg.
Similar Expressions: Very pricey / Super expensive
9. Give it a shot
Definition: This means to try something new or take a chance.
Used in a Sentence: Even if you feel nervous, you should give the speaking test a shot. / Why not give the difficult writing prompt a shot today?
Similar Expressions: Try it out / Take a gamble
10. Pass with flying colors
Definition: This means to succeed or pass a test with a very high score.
Used in a Sentence: She practiced every day and passed her exam with flying colors. / He hopes to pass his IELTS reading test with flying colors.
Similar Expressions: Succeed brilliantly / Excel greatly
11. Burning question
Definition: This is a question that everyone is thinking about and wants answered.
Used in a Sentence: How to get a band score of eight is the burning question for many students. / That grammar rule was the burning question in our study group.
Similar Expressions: Urgent query / Main topic
12. Actions speak louder than words
Definition: This means what you do matters more than what you say.
Used in a Sentence: Telling your teacher you will study is good, but actions speak louder than words. / Show your dedication to English because actions speak louder than words.
Similar Expressions: Deeds over talk / Proof in actions
13. Back to the drawing board
Definition: This means starting over because your first plan failed.
Used in a Sentence: My essay structure was rejected, so it is back to the drawing board. / Do not be sad to go back to the drawing board when you make a mistake.
Similar Expressions: Start fresh / Redo plan
14. Ball is in your court
Definition: This means it is your turn to make a decision or take action.
Used in a Sentence: I gave you my advice, so now the ball is in your court. / The teacher explained the task, and now the ball is in your court to practice.
Similar Expressions: Your turn / Your decision
15. Barking up the wrong tree
Definition: This means looking in the wrong place or accusing the wrong person.
Used in a Sentence: If you think vocabulary is unimportant for IELTS, you are barking up the wrong tree. / He blamed his grammar book, but he was barking up the wrong tree.
Similar Expressions: Mistaken path / Wrong direction
16. Beat around the bush
Definition: This means avoiding the main topic and talking in circles.
Used in a Sentence: When answering the examiner, do not beat around the bush; get straight to the point. / Stop beating around the bush and tell me your target score.
Similar Expressions: Avoid main point / Stall speech
17. Bite the bullet
Definition: This means facing a difficult situation with courage.
Used in a Sentence: I had to bite the bullet and take the mock test even though I was nervous. / Bite the bullet and tackle your weakest subject first.
Similar Expressions: Face hardship / Brace yourself
18. Blessing in disguise
Definition: This means something bad at first that turns out to be good later.
Used in a Sentence: Missing the bus made me study my flashcards longer, which was a blessing in disguise. / Failing that quiz was a blessing in disguise because it made me work harder.
Similar Expressions: Hidden gift / Lucky turn
19. Break a leg
Definition: This is a phrase used to wish someone good luck before a performance or test.
Used in a Sentence: My friend told me to break a leg before I walked into the exam room. / Break a leg on your presentation today!
Similar Expressions: Good luck / Best wishes
20. Call it a day
Definition: This means to stop working on something for the rest of the day.
Used in a Sentence: We studied for five hours straight and decided to call it a day. / Let us call it a day and review our vocabulary tomorrow morning.
Similar Expressions: Stop working / Finish up
21. Calm before the storm
Definition: This describes a quiet period before a busy or difficult time.
Used in a Sentence: The quiet classroom before the exam started felt like the calm before the storm. / Enjoy your relaxing Sunday because Monday brings the calm before the storm.
Similar Expressions: Quiet period / Peaceful pause
22. Chase rainbows
Definition: This means trying to achieve something impossible or unrealistic.
Used in a Sentence: Do not waste time chasing rainbows when you should be practicing real exam questions. / Setting a goal you cannot reach is like chasing rainbows.
Similar Expressions: Impossible dream / Foolish pursuit
23. Chew the fat
Definition: This means to have a friendly and casual conversation.
Used in a Sentence: We sat at the cafe and chewed the fat about our favorite books. / During the warm-up, the students chewed the fat in English.
Similar Expressions: Chat casually / Talk idly
24. Chip on your shoulder
Definition: This means being easily offended or holding a grudge about something.
Used in a Sentence: He went into the speaking test with a chip on his shoulder and did poorly. / Try not to have a chip on your shoulder when someone corrects your grammar.
Similar Expressions: Bad attitude / Grudge carrier
25. Come rain or shine
Definition: This means no matter what happens, regardless of the weather or obstacles.
Used in a Sentence: I practice my English listening skills every morning, come rain or shine. / We will take our practice exam this Saturday, come rain or shine.
Similar Expressions: No matter what / Without fail
26. Cry over spilt milk
Definition: This means worrying or complaining about a mistake that cannot be changed.
Usd in a Sentence: You lost two points on that section, but do not cry over spilt milk. / What is done is done, so do not cry over spilt milk.
Similar Expressions: Regret past / Useless worry
27. Curiosity killed the cat
Definition: This means being too curious can get you into trouble.
Used in a Sentence: He wanted to open the exam envelope early, but curiosity killed the cat. / Do not ask too many unauthorized questions because curiosity killed the cat.
Similar Expressions: Too much probing / Danger in snooping
28. Cut to the chase
Definition: This means getting straight to the most important point without wasting time.
Used in a Sentence: In your IELTS writing task, you should cut to the chase in your introduction. / Let us cut to the chase and review the main vocabulary list.
Similar Expressions: Get to the point / Skip details
29. Dark horse
Definition: This means a quiet person who surprises everyone by winning or succeeding.
Used in a Sentence: He was a dark horse who got the highest band score in our class. / Do not underestimate her because she is a real dark horse.
Similar Expressions: Unexpected winner / Hidden talent
30. Devil’s advocate
Definition: This means arguing against an idea just to test or start a debate.
Used in a Sentence: During our speaking practice, my partner played devil’s advocate. / I will play devil’s advocate so you can defend your opinion well.
Similar Expressions: Counter arguer / Opposing view
31. Drop in the bucket
Definition: This means a very small amount compared to what is needed.
Used in a Sentence: Learning five new words is just a drop in the bucket for your exam. / His single practice test was a drop in the bucket of what he needed.
Similar Expressions: Tiny amount / Small fraction
32. Easier said than done
Definition: This describes something that sounds simple to do but is actually very hard.
Used in a Sentence: Scoring a band nine sounds great, but it is easier said than done. / Telling yourself not to panic during the test is easier said than done.
Similar Expressions: Tough task / Hard work
33. Every dog has its day
Definition: This means everyone gets a chance to be successful eventually.
Used in a Sentence: Do not give up on your English goals because every dog has its day. / He failed once, but every dog has its day and he will pass next time.
Similar Expressions: Turn for success / Everyone wins
34. Fall by the wayside
Definition: This means to fail, get dropped, or be abandoned along the way.
Used in a Sentence: Many students let their study habits fall by the wayside over the weekend. / Do not let your daily vocabulary practice fall by the wayside.
Similar Expressions: Get abandoned / Be forgotten
35. Fit as a fiddle
Definition: This means being in very good physical health and condition.
Used in a Sentence: Get a good night’s sleep so you feel fit as a fiddle on test day. / She ate a healthy breakfast and felt fit as a fiddle.
Similar Expressions: Very healthy / In top shape
36. Flesh and blood
Definition: This refers to human nature or a member of your family.
Used in a Sentence: Making mistakes during practice is normal because we are all flesh and blood. / He is my own flesh and blood, so I helped him study.
Similar Expressions: Human being / Family member
37. Fly on the wall
Definition: This means wishing you could secretly listen to a conversation.
Used in a Sentence: I wish I could be a fly on the wall during the IELTS examiner meeting. / She wanted to be a fly on the wall when the scores were released.
Similar Expressions: Hidden observer / Secret listener
38. Get out of hand
Definition: This means when a situation becomes wild and impossible to control.
Used in a Sentence: Studying can get out of hand if you do not take regular breaks. / Make sure your essay length does not get out of hand.
Similar Expressions: Lose control / Become chaotic
39. Get your act together
Definition: This means to organize yourself and start behaving or working better.
Used in a Sentence: You need to get your act together if you want to pass this month. / He got his act together and created a great study schedule.
Similar Expressions: Organize life / Fix habits
40. Give someone the benefit of the doubt
Definition: This means believing someone is honest even without proof.
Used in a Sentence: The teacher gave him the benefit of the doubt when his homework was late. / Always give yourself the benefit of the doubt during difficult tests.
Similar Expressions: Trust someone / Assume innocence
41. Go back on your word
Definition: This means breaking a promise you made to someone.
Used in a Sentence: Do not go back on your word to study every single day. / He promised to help me practice, and I hope he does not go back on his word.
Similar Expressions: Break promise / Retract statement
42. Good to go
Definition: This means being fully prepared and ready for action.
Used in a Sentence: Once you check your passport and pencils, you are good to go. / Are you good to go for your speaking test?
Similar Expressions: Fully prepared / Ready set
43. Grasp at straws
Definition: This means trying desperate solutions when things are going badly.
Used in a Sentence: Guessing every answer on the test is just grasping at straws. / Do not start grasping at straws; think logically about the prompt.
Similar Expressions: Desperate try / Futile effort
44. Hang in there
Definition: This means to stay strong and not give up when things get tough.
Used in a Sentence: Hang in there, because the exam is almost over. / Learning English takes time, so just hang in there.
Similar Expressions: Stay strong / Keep going
45. Have a lot on your plate
Definition: This means having too many tasks or responsibilities to handle at once.
Used in a Sentence: I have a lot on my plate with work and IELTS preparation this month. / Do not take on extra chores when you already have a lot on your plate.
Similar Expressions: Very busy / Overloaded schedule
46. Hit the nail on the head
Definition: This means to describe or understand something with total accuracy.
Used in a Sentence: Your explanation of the essay prompt hit the nail on the head. / He hit the nail on the head when he said listening is the hardest part.
Similar Expressions: Exactly right / Spot on
47. In the same boat
Definition: This means being in the same difficult situation as other people.
Used in a Sentence: We are all nervous about the upcoming exam, so we are in the same boat. / Do not worry about struggling with grammar because everyone is in the same boat.
Similar Expressions: Shared situation / Same predicament
48. Jump on the bandwagon
Definition: This means joining a popular trend or activity that everyone else is doing.
Used in a Sentence: Many students jump on the bandwagon of taking online English classes. / Do not just jump on the bandwagon; find a study method that works for you.
Similar Expressions: Follow trend / Join crowd
49. Keep your chin up
Definition: This means staying positive and hopeful during hard times.
Used in a Sentence: Keep your chin up even if your practice score was low. / She told her brother to keep his chin up after a tough school day.
Similar Expressions: Stay optimistic / Remain cheerful
50. Learn the ropes
Definition: This means learning the basic rules and procedures of a new task.
Used in a Sentence: It takes a few weeks to learn the ropes of IELTS writing formats. / Once you learn the ropes, taking the test becomes much easier.
Similar Expressions: Learn basics / Understand system
Exercise to Practice
- I need to hit the books tonight before my English exam tomorrow, which means I will read my textbooks.
- The listening section of the test was an absolute piece of cake, meaning it was extremely difficult.
- He had to burn the midnight oil to finish his writing task by staying up late.
- Knowing grammar rules well is a great ace up your sleeve, which means it is a secret disadvantage.
- You should not cut corners when writing your essay if you want a high score.
- I drew a blank when the examiner asked me a tough question, meaning I remembered everything clearly.
- Choosing whether to rush or skip put him between a rock and a hard place.
- Buying every single English textbook has to cost an arm and a leg, meaning it is free.
- Even if you feel nervous, you should give the speaking test a shot.
- She practiced every day and passed her exam with flying colors, meaning she failed.
- How to get a high band score is the burning question for many students.
- Telling your teacher you will study is good, but actions speak louder than words.
- My essay structure was rejected, so it is back to the drawing board to start fresh.
- The teacher explained the task, and now the ball is in your court to ignore it.
- If you think vocabulary is unimportant for IELTS, you are barking up the wrong tree.
Answer Key
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
- False
- True
Conclusion
Learning these idioms helps you express your thoughts naturally and boosts your confidence for the IELTS exam. You can use them in your writing and speaking tests to show a strong command of English. Try using one of these fun phrases today when talking with your study partners. See how much richer and more interesting your language becomes!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common idioms for IELTS?
Some very popular expressions include hit the books, piece of cake, and hit the nail on the head. These phrases help you describe studying, success, and everyday challenges in natural English.
Why do we use idioms in English?
We use idioms to make our language more colorful, creative, and interesting. Using them correctly in your exam shows the examiner that you understand natural English phrasing.
How can I practice using idioms?
You can practice by using one new phrase a day in a sentence or short essay paragraph. Speaking with a study partner and trying to include idioms is also a great strategy.
Are idioms good to use in IELTS speaking?
Yes, using idioms naturally in the speaking test can help boost your lexical resource score. Just make sure you use them in the correct context so they sound natural.
What does hit the books mean?
This idiom simply means to study very hard for a test or class. It is a great everyday phrase to talk about your preparation routine.
