When preparing for the IELTS exam, expressing yourself with warmth, care, and thoughtful phrasing can make a real difference. Idioms are a wonderful way to add personality and depth to your speech and writing.
They help you sound more natural and confident, showing examiners that you’re comfortable with English beyond basic vocabulary. In this article, I’ll share 25 useful idioms that are perfect for IELTS candidates who want to communicate meaningfully and leave a lasting impression.
1. Break the ice
Meaning: To start a conversation in a relaxed way.
In a sentence: It’s often hard to break the ice when meeting new people.
Best use: Use it when describing social situations or teamwork.
Other ways to say: Start a conversation, get things going, warm up.
2. A blessing in disguise
Meaning: Something bad that turns out to be good.
In a sentence: Missing the bus was a blessing in disguise because I met a friend at the next stop.
Best use: Use to explain unexpected positive outcomes.
Other ways to say: Hidden benefit, silver lining.
3. Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
In a sentence: You hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the problem.
Best use: Use when agreeing with someone’s accurate observation.
Other ways to say: Get it right, be spot on.
4. The ball is in your court
Meaning: It’s your turn to take action or make a decision.
In a sentence: I’ve done my part; now the ball is in your court.
Best use: Use to indicate responsibility or decision-making.
Other ways to say: It’s your move, your call.
5. Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling unwell or sick.
In a sentence: I was feeling under the weather, so I skipped the meeting.
Best use: Use to talk about health in a casual way.
Other ways to say: Not feeling well, out of sorts.
6. Piece of cake
Meaning: Something very easy to do.
In a sentence: The IELTS speaking test was a piece of cake for me.
Best use: Use to describe tasks or challenges.
Other ways to say: Easy as pie, a breeze.
7. Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To accidentally reveal a secret.
In a sentence: He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
Best use: Use when talking about secrets or surprises.
Other ways to say: Spill the beans, give away the secret.
8. Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To work late into the night.
In a sentence: I burned the midnight oil studying for my IELTS exam.
Best use: Use to describe hard work or dedication.
Other ways to say: Work late, stay up late working.
9. Hit the books
Meaning: To study hard.
In a sentence: I need to hit the books if I want to improve my vocabulary.
Best use: Use when talking about studying.
Other ways to say: Study intensely, crack the books.
10. Bite the bullet
Meaning: To face a difficult situation bravely.
In a sentence: I decided to bite the bullet and speak up in the test.
Best use: Use to describe overcoming fear or hesitation.
Other ways to say: Face the music, take the plunge.
11. Cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: Very expensive.
In a sentence: Preparing for IELTS with private tutors can cost an arm and a leg.
Best use: Use when talking about high costs.
Other ways to say: Very pricey, break the bank.
12. On cloud nine
Meaning: Extremely happy.
In a sentence: I was on cloud nine when I got my IELTS results.
Best use: Use to express joy or excitement.
Other ways to say: Over the moon, in seventh heaven.
13. The best of both worlds
Meaning: Enjoying two good things at once.
In a sentence: Studying English online lets me have the best of both worlds: flexibility and quality lessons.
Best use: Use when describing balanced benefits.
Other ways to say: Ideal situation, win-win.
14. Burn bridges
Meaning: To damage relationships beyond repair.
In a sentence: Don’t burn bridges with your teachers—they can be helpful later.
Best use: Use when advising on maintaining good relationships.
Other ways to say: Destroy connections, spoil relationships.
15. Hit the jackpot
Meaning: To have great success or good luck.
In a sentence: Finding the perfect IELTS study group was like hitting the jackpot.
Best use: Use when talking about success or luck.
Other ways to say: Strike gold, get lucky.
16. Keep your chin up
Meaning: Stay positive and confident.
In a sentence: Even if the test is hard, keep your chin up and do your best.
Best use: Use to encourage someone facing difficulties.
Other ways to say: Stay strong, don’t lose heart.
17. Cut corners
Meaning: Do something in the easiest or cheapest way, often badly.
In a sentence: Don’t cut corners with your IELTS preparation—it will show.
Best use: Use to warn against rushing or doing things poorly.
Other ways to say: Take shortcuts, do something hastily.
18. On the ball
Meaning: Alert and quick to understand.
In a sentence: The best candidates are really on the ball during the speaking test.
Best use: Use to praise someone’s awareness or readiness.
Other ways to say: Sharp, quick-witted.
19. Pull someone’s leg
Meaning: To joke or tease someone.
In a sentence: I was just pulling your leg about failing the test—you’ll do great!
Best use: Use to lighten the mood or make a friendly joke.
Other ways to say: Tease, joke around.
20. The ballpark figure
Meaning: An approximate number or estimate.
In a sentence: Can you give me a ballpark figure for how long it takes to prepare?
Best use: Use when discussing estimates or rough numbers.
Other ways to say: Rough estimate, approximate figure.
21. Take it with a grain of salt
Meaning: Don’t take something too seriously.
In a sentence: Take online advice with a grain of salt; not all of it is accurate.
Best use: Use to advise skepticism or caution.
Other ways to say: Be cautious, don’t believe everything.
22. Throw in the towel
Meaning: To give up.
In a sentence: Don’t throw in the towel just because the test feels tough.
Best use: Use to encourage persistence.
Other ways to say: Quit, give up.
23. Call it a day
Meaning: To stop working for the day.
In a sentence: After hours of practice, I decided to call it a day.
Best use: Use when talking about finishing work.
Other ways to say: Wrap up, finish for now.
24. Speak of the devil
Meaning: When the person you’re talking about appears unexpectedly.
In a sentence: Speak of the devil! We were just talking about your study habits.
Best use: Use for casual conversations.
Other ways to say: Look who’s here, talking about someone.
25. Up in the air
Meaning: Uncertain or undecided.
In a sentence: My exam schedule is still up in the air due to the pandemic.
Best use: Use when talking about uncertain plans.
Other ways to say: Undecided, uncertain.
Conclusion
Incorporating idioms into your IELTS speaking and writing not only makes your language more natural but also shows your ability to communicate with warmth and thoughtfulness. These 25 idioms are practical, easy to remember, and perfect for expressing yourself with nuance and care. From personal experience, using idioms helped me feel more confident and connected during conversations, making the whole learning journey more enjoyable.
So, don’t hesitate to practice these idioms—you’ll find your English becoming more vivid and engaging. Remember, meaningful communication is about both what you say and how you say it.
