Idioms for IELTS Speaking

Definition: something with both advantages and disadvantages

Example: “Social media can be a double-edged sword.”

Forms: countable noun phrase

Synonyms: mixed blessing, two-sided issue

Definition: A good thing that seemed bad at first.

Example: “Losing that job was a blessing in disguise; I found a much better one.”

Definition: To seem angry all the time because you think you have been treated unfairly.

Example: “He has a chip on his shoulder about not going to college.”

Definition: Sad or depressed.

Example: “She's been down in the dumps ever since she lost her job.”

Definition: To accept responsibility for something you have done.

Example: “After crashing his dad's car, he had to go home and face the music.”

Definition: To be unsure how you feel about something.

Example: “I have mixed feelings about moving to a new city.”

Definition: To be daydreaming and not paying attention.

Example: “He has his head in the clouds if he thinks he can pass the exam without studying.”

Definition: To be extremely happy.

Example: “She jumped for joy when she heard the good news.”

Definition: To be extremely happy and joyful.

Example: “She has been on cloud nine since she got engaged.”

Definition: Rescued from a difficult situation at the very last moment.

Example: “I was about to give a wrong answer, but the fire alarm rang. I was saved by the bell!”

Definition: To feel ill or sick.

Example: “I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so I'm staying home.”

Definition: Someone who is your friend only when things are going well.

Example: “When I lost my job, I learned who my fair-weather friends were.”

Definition: People with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with each other.

Example: “They're both artists, so naturally they became friends. Birds of a feather flock together.”

Definition: To make peace; to end a disagreement.

Example: “After years of fighting, they finally buried the hatchet.”

Definition: To have a very good, friendly relationship.

Example: “My sister and my girlfriend got along like a house on fire from the moment they met.”

Definition: To have affection or fondness for someone.

Example: “She has a soft spot for stray animals and always tries to help them.”

Definition: To support someone during a difficult time.

Example: “She stood by him throughout his illness.”

Definition: To get along very well with someone immediately.

Example: “We hit it off right away and became best friends.”

Definition: Fighting or arguing constantly.

Example: “Those two have been at each other's throats all week.”

Definition: To irritate or annoy someone.

Example: “His arrogant attitude really rubs me the wrong way.”

Definition: To make someone very sad, especially by ending a romantic relationship.

Example: “She broke his heart when she moved to another country.”

Definition: Someone who listens to your problems and comforts you.

Example: “After my breakup, my best friend was a shoulder to cry on.”

Definition: To get married.

Example: “They've been together for five years and finally decided to tie the knot.”

Definition: To propose marriage.

Example: “He popped the question on their anniversary.”

Definition: An extra person who feels left out when with a couple.

Example: “I felt like a third wheel when I went to dinner with them.”

Definition: To separate or end a relationship.

Example: “After ten years together, they decided to part ways.”

Definition: To study hard.

Example: “I have a big exam tomorrow, so I need to hit the books tonight.”

Definition: To memorize something completely.

Example: “We had to learn the poem by heart for class.”

Definition: To succeed easily and excellently.

Example: “She studied hard and passed the exam with flying colors.”

Definition: A student who is the teacher's favorite.

Example: “She always gets special treatment; she's such a teacher's pet.”

Definition: Someone who loves reading and spends a lot of time reading.

Example: “My daughter is a real bookworm; she reads three books a week.”

Definition: To think creatively about ideas, usually in a group.

Example: “Let's brainstorm some ideas for the marketing campaign.”

Definition: To know something thoroughly and completely.

Example: “After years of practice, she knows the software inside out.”

Definition: To work or study late into the night.

Example: “I was burning the midnight oil to finish my thesis.”

Definition: To fail to remember something.

Example: “When they asked me his name, I drew a blank.”

Definition: To learn from your mistakes and experiences.

Example: “I didn't know that would happen, but I guess you live and learn.”

Definition: Learning through difficult life experiences rather than formal education.

Example: “He never went to university; he learned everything in the school of hard knocks.”

Definition: To teach someone how to do a job or task.

Example: “Don't worry, I'll show you the ropes on your first day.”

Definition: Someone who learns things quickly.

Example: “She picked up the new software in just a day; she's a quick study.”

Definition: Traditional methods or ideas.

Example: “He prefers writing letters by hand; he's very old school.”

Definition: To skip school or a class.

Example: “He got in trouble for cutting class to go to the beach.”