Idioms for IELTS Speaking (Use with Caution!)

"I was over the moon!" "It cost an arm and a leg!" Idioms are a double-edged sword in IELTS. Used correctly, they can push your vocabulary score to a Band 7 or 8. Used incorrectly or too frequently, they sound forced, unnatural, and can actually lower your score.

The key is to use them naturally and sparingly. Think of idioms as spice in a meal—a little adds great flavor, but you wouldn't eat a bowl of pure salt.

Here are some high-impact idioms that are versatile enough to use in many speaking topics.

1. "Over the moon" (Very happy)

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  Use: To describe a positive memory or achievement.
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  Example: "When I got my exam results, I was absolutely over the moon."

2. "Once in a blue moon" (Rarely)

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  Use: To describe habits or hobbies you don't do often.
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  Example: "I used to play football every day, but now I only play once in a blue moon."

3. "A piece of cake" (Very easy)

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  Use: To describe a task or skill.
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  Example: "I thought the driving test would be hard, but it was a piece of cake."

4. "Cost an arm and a leg" (Very expensive)

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  Use: To talk about shopping, travel, or buying items.
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  Example: "I’d love to buy a new car, but they cost an arm and a leg right now."

5. "See eye to eye" (Agree completely)

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  Use: To talk about relationships or opinions.
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  Example: "My sister and I don't always see eye to eye, but we are very close."

6. "On the fence" (Undecided)

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  Use: Perfect for Part 3 when you are asked for your opinion but want to show balance.
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  Example: "I'm still on the fence about whether AI is a good thing or a bad thing."

7. "Burn the midnight oil" (Work/study late into the night)

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  Use: To talk about work or study habits.
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  Example: "Before my finals, I had to burn the midnight oil every night."

The Golden Rules of Idioms

1. •
   Do NOT use clichés: Avoid old, overused idioms like "It's raining cats and dogs." Native speakers rarely use this anymore. It sounds like a textbook from 1950.
2. •
   Context is Key: Don't force an idiom if it doesn't fit. If the examiner asks about your favorite color, don't say "Blue is a piece of cake." It makes no sense.
3. •
   Get the Grammar Right: Idioms are fixed phrases. You can't say "It cost my arm and leg" or "I was over the sun." You must say it exactly right.
4. •
   Speaking Only: Generally, avoid idioms in Academic Writing Task 1 and 2. They are too informal. Keep them for the Speaking test.

Conclusion

One or two well-placed idioms in your Speaking test can show the examiner that you have a sophisticated grasp of English cultural expressions. Just remember: natural flow beats forced complexity every time.

Check out our other IELTS resources and practice tests to help you achieve your target band score!