Essential Idioms for IELTS Success: Speak Like a Pro! 🎓

Intermediate Level | October 12, 2025

Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

If you’re preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, you already know that vocabulary matters — but what examiners really listen for is natural, idiomatic English. Idioms make your speech sound fluent, confident, and connected, but only when used naturally. The key is knowing when and how to use them without sounding memorized.

Let’s explore ten essential idioms for IELTS success that can boost your band score, plus a brief look at their origins — because understanding where they come from makes them easier to remember and use naturally. These essential idioms for IELTS success will not only impress examiners but also help you sound more natural and confident.

Why Idioms Matter in IELTS Speaking

IELTS examiners want to hear English that sounds real, not robotic. When you use idioms correctly, it shows flexibility and a high level of language control. However, using too many — or using them incorrectly — can make your answers sound forced.

So, your goal isn’t to show off idioms, but to show fluency through expression. Use them where they fit naturally into your story or opinion. Learning and using essential idioms for IELTS success in context will demonstrate genuine fluency.

10 Essential Idioms for IELTS Success

1. Once in a blue moon

Meaning: Very rarely.
Example: “I eat out once in a blue moon because I prefer home-cooked food.”
Origin: This phrase dates back to the 1500s, when a “blue moon” referred to a rare second full moon in a single month — something that doesn’t happen often.

2. The ball is in your court

Meaning: It’s your turn to take action.
Example: “My teacher gave me feedback — now the ball is in my court to improve.”
Origin: Comes from tennis, where the ball must be hit back to continue the game. Once it’s in your court, you’re responsible for the next move.

3. Burn the midnight oil

Meaning: Work late into the night.
Example: “Many students burn the midnight oil before exams.”
Origin: Before electric lights, people used oil lamps to study or work after dark. To “burn the midnight oil” meant studying or working long hours into the night.

4. A double-edged sword

Meaning: Something that has both good and bad sides.
Example: “Technology is a double-edged sword — it saves time but reduces face-to-face communication.”
Origin: The expression comes from real swords used in battle that could cut both ways — helping or hurting the person who used it.

5. Actions speak louder than words

Meaning: What people do matters more than what they say.
Example: “When it comes to leadership, actions speak louder than words.”
Origin: This phrase appeared in the 1600s and became popular through sermons and writings emphasizing that deeds reveal true intentions better than promises.

6. On cloud nine

Meaning: Extremely happy.
Example: “I was on cloud nine when I received my IELTS results.”
Origin: The term likely comes from a 20th-century U.S. weather classification system — Cloud Nine was the highest, fluffiest type of cloud, symbolizing extreme happiness.

7. Cost an arm and a leg

Meaning: Very expensive.
Example: “Studying abroad costs an arm and a leg, but it’s worth it.”
Origin: This idiom possibly arose after World War II to describe the high “cost” soldiers paid with their limbs. It now means anything that’s extremely costly.

8. In the same boat

Meaning: In the same situation as others.
Example: “Many students are in the same boat when preparing for IELTS.”
Origin: This comes from sailors and travelers who literally shared a boat — if it sank, everyone was in trouble together. It later became a metaphor for shared situations.

9. Bite the bullet

Meaning: To face something difficult or unpleasant bravely.
Example: “I decided to bite the bullet and speak English at work, even though I felt nervous.”
Origin: In the 1800s, soldiers would bite on bullets during surgery before anesthesia — a way to endure pain courageously.

10. Go the extra mile

Meaning: Make a special effort to achieve something.
Example: “If you go the extra mile with your preparation, you’ll feel confident on test day.”
Origin: This expression comes from the Bible, where Jesus taught, “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two.” It suggests generosity and effort beyond what’s required.

💡 How to Use Essential Idioms for IELTS Success Naturally

Don’t memorize — personalize.
Choose 3–4 idioms you like and connect them to your own stories or experiences.
For example: “Last month, I burned the midnight oil preparing for a big client meeting.”
Listen and notice.
Watch English interviews, podcasts, or YouTube channels and pay attention to how native speakers use idioms casually — not every sentence, but naturally.
Practice aloud.
The more you say them, the more comfortable they feel. Record yourself using one or two idioms in different answers.
Keep balance.
Use one idiom per answer, maximum two if it flows naturally. Quality matters more than quantity.

🧠 Tips to Remember Idioms

Group by theme: For example, idioms about effort (“go the extra mile,” “burn the midnight oil”) or emotion (“on cloud nine,” “bite the bullet”).
Make visuals: Draw simple images or flashcards — visuals stick in memory.
Use them daily: Try adding one idiom into your day’s English practice — during journaling, conversation, or a voice note.
Teach them: Explaining idioms to others helps you remember and use them confidently.

Vocabulary List

Fluency (noun) — Smoothness in speech.
Example: She speaks with great fluency during discussions.
Idiomatic (adjective) — Natural to native speakers.
Example: He uses idiomatic expressions correctly.
Robotic (adjective) — Lacking emotion or natural tone.
Example: Her speech sounded robotic.
Flexibility (noun) — Ability to adapt or change easily.
Example: Language flexibility helps you sound natural.
Expression (noun) — A word or phrase used to communicate meaning.
Example: “On cloud nine” is a common English expression.
Memorize (verb) — To learn by heart.
Example: Don’t just memorize idioms—use them in real context.
Empathy (noun) — Understanding others’ feelings.
Example: Using phrases like “in the same boat” shows empathy.
Confidently (adverb) — In a self-assured way.
Example: She answered all questions confidently.
Consistency (noun) — Doing something regularly.
Example: Consistency is key when learning new idioms.
Evaluate (verb) — To judge or assess.
Example: Examiners evaluate how naturally you use expressions.

5 Questions About the Article

Why is it important to use idioms naturally in IELTS Speaking?
Which idiom means “very expensive”?
What is the historical origin of “bite the bullet”?
How can listening help you use idioms more naturally?
Why should you avoid using too many idioms in one answer?

5 Open-Ended Discussion Questions

Which idiom from today’s article do you like the most, and why?
How do idioms make conversations more interesting?
Can you think of an idiom in your language that has a similar meaning to one above?
How can knowing an idiom’s origin help you remember it?
What strategies do you use to remember new English expressions?

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