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: To become very ill from being cold.

Example: “Put on a jacket or you'll catch your death!”

Definition: The same bad treatment that you gave to others.

Example: “He was always criticizing others, and now he's getting a dose of his own medicine.”

Definition: Recovered from illness or difficulty.

Example: “It took a few weeks, but now she's back on her feet.”

Definition: Someone who looks very healthy.

Example: “Look at you! You're a picture of health.”

Definition: Tired and weak, especially from working too hard.

Example: “I've been feeling run down lately; I need a vacation.”

Definition: An unpleasant or painful fact that is difficult to accept.

Example: “Losing the championship was a bitter pill to swallow.”

Definition: In good health or condition.

Example: “Don't worry, after a good night's sleep, you'll be right as rain.”

Definition: Crazy or mentally unstable.

Example: “You must be off your rocker if you think I'm doing that!”

Definition: Very annoyed or bored with something.

Example: “I'm sick and tired of your excuses!”

Definition: Healthy and physically fit.

Example: “He runs every day and is in really good shape.”

Definition: Very common and of little value.

Example: “Experts in this field are a dime a dozen.”

Definition: To worsen an unfavorable situation.

Example: “To add insult to injury, after cancelling my flight, the airline refused to refund my ticket.”

Definition: Avoid saying what you mean, usually because it is uncomfortable.

Example: “Stop beating around the bush and just tell me what happened.”

Definition: Better to arrive or do something late than not at all.

Example: “He finally paid me the money he owed me. Well, better late than never.”

Definition: To endure a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.

Example: “I had to bite the bullet and finish the project even though I was tired.”

Definition: To initiate social conversation or interaction.

Example: “He told a joke to break the ice at the start of the meeting.”

Definition: To be extremely expensive.

Example: “That new car must have cost him an arm and a leg.”

Definition: Don't be so critical; be more forgiving.

Example: “He's having a tough week, so cut him some slack.”

Definition: Don't judge something primarily on its appearance.

Example: “He may look a bit strange, but don't judge a book by its cover.”

Definition: To become uncontrollable.

Example: “The party got out of hand, and the police were called.”

Definition: Behave properly or work more effectively.

Example: “You need to get your act together if you want to pass this class.”

Definition: To fail spectacularly.

Example: “His ambitious project went down in flames when he lost all funding.”

Definition: Don't give up; persevere.

Example: “I know you're tired, but hang in there, you're almost finished.”

Definition: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.

Example: “You hit the nail on the head when you said our main issue is communication.”

Definition: Join a popular trend or activity.

Example: “So many people are buying that new phone; I might as well jump on the bandwagon.”

Definition: To tell something briefly.

Example: “To make a long story short, we missed our flight.”

Definition: To lose an opportunity.

Example: “The application was due yesterday; I think I missed the boat.”

Definition: To be quick to understand and react to things.

Example: “Our new project manager is really on the ball.”

Definition: Calm down.

Example: “I know you're upset, but you need to pull yourself together and focus.”

Definition: To agree on a subject.

Example: “My boss and I don't always see eye to eye on marketing strategy.”

Definition: Progress has been satisfactory up to now.

Example: “How's the new project going? So far so good.”

Definition: When the person you have just been talking about arrives.

Example: “Well, speak of the devil! We were just talking about you, Mark.”

Definition: The final tolerable act in a series of provocations.

Example: “He was late again, and that was the last straw. I fired him.”

Definition: Enjoying two different opportunities at the same time.

Example: “Working from home is the best of both worlds; I have more family time and a great career.”

Definition: Under all circumstances, no matter how difficult.

Example: “She has always supported me through thick and thin.”

Definition: I don't know either.

Example: “What time will he arrive? Your guess is as good as mine.”

Definition: A diplomatic way to avoid answering a question directly.

Example: “When asked about the merger, she said, "I can neither confirm nor deny that."”

Definition: A playful way of saying no cutting in line; no exceptions.

Example: “The kids were told "no cuts, no butts, no coconuts" while waiting for the slide.”

Definition: Something is shockingly excessive or outrageous.

Example: “The price of that handbag is obscene!”

Definition: Very likely; almost certainly.

Example: “Ten to one he'll forget to bring the documents again.”

Definition: Used to emphasize that something has been done or said many times before.

Example: “For the umpteenth time, please turn off the lights when you leave!”

Definition: Something is not as good as people say it is.

Example: “Working from home isn't all it's cracked up to be.”

Definition: Something serious that should not be joked about.

Example: “Climate change is no laughing matter.”

Definition: A birthday greeting wishing someone many more happy birthdays.

Example: “Happy birthday! Many happy returns of the day!”

Definition: To behave in a moral and dignified way, especially when others do not.

Example: “Even though he insulted her, she took the high road and didn't respond.”

Definition: Feeling tired and disoriented after a long flight across time zones.

Example: “Sorry I'm so tired; I'm still jet-lagged from my trip to Japan.”

Definition: Stop complaining.

Example: “Quit griping about the weather and just enjoy the trip!”

Definition: What's the latest news or information? (slang)

Example: “Hey, what's the 411 on the new project?”

Definition: In a state of nervous excitement or agitation.

Example: “She was in a tizzy trying to prepare for the surprise party.”

Definition: Having no more patience or energy to deal with something.

Example: “After three hours of tech support calls, I'm at the end of my rope.”

Definition: It has been a very long time.

Example: “It's been ages since we last met! How have you been?”

Definition: Helping others often leads to negative consequences for the helper.

Example: “I volunteered to organize the event and now I'm stuck with all the cleanup. No good deed goes unpunished!”

Definition: Used to express pride in something you have done.

Example: “That was a pretty good presentation, if I do say so myself.”

Definition: Born to parents who are not married.

Example: “In the past, children born out of wedlock faced social stigma.”

Definition: A very gentle and harmless person.

Example: “Don't be afraid of him; he wouldn't hurt a fly.”

Definition: A dismissive expression of defiance or contempt (slang).

Example: “You want me to work overtime again? Eat my shorts!”

Definition: Criticizing someone for a fault you also have.

Example: “You're calling me lazy? That's the pot calling the kettle black!”

Definition: A misunderstanding or miscommunication.

Example: “We had crossed wires about the meeting time, so I arrived an hour late.”

Definition: Wednesday, the middle of the work week.

Example: “Happy hump day! We're halfway through the week.”

Definition: A phrase about mortality, often used at funerals.

Example: “The pastor said "ashes to ashes, dust to dust" as they lowered the casket.”

Definition: Acting as if you are morally superior to others.

Example: “I can't stand her holier-than-thou attitude about organic food.”

Definition: Unpredictable; sometimes successful and sometimes not.

Example: “The restaurant is hit or miss-sometimes great, sometimes disappointing.”

Definition: In various directions; here and there.

Example: “The children were running hither and thither in the playground.”

Definition: Very tired or exhausted (British slang).

Example: “After that 10-mile hike, I'm absolutely knackered.”

Definition: Excitement, energy, or sex appeal.

Example: “That red dress has real va va voom!”

Definition: A day when students skip school.

Example: “Senior ditch day is a tradition at many high schools.”

Definition: Someone who speaks honestly and directly.

Example: “I trust her advice because she's a straight shooter.”

Definition: Unable to get any luck or relief from problems.

Example: “First my car broke down, then I got sick. I just can't catch a break!”

Definition: To avoid attracting attention to yourself.

Example: “After the scandal, he decided to keep a low profile for a while.”

Definition: Savings set aside for the future.

Example: “They've been building a nest egg for their retirement.”

Definition: Two things that go perfectly together.

Example: “Those two are like peanut butter and jelly-inseparable!”

Definition: Stop wasting time on unimportant things (British slang).

Example: “Stop faffing around and get your work done!”

Definition: Acknowledge someone's contribution or achievement.

Example: “I don't like him personally, but I have to give credit where credit is due-he did a great job.”

Definition: Very quickly; instantly.

Example: “If they offered me that job, I'd take it in a New York minute!”