The technique to distinguish native English speakers from those learning English as a foreign language is by the appropriate usage of idioms in English discussions. If used correctly, idioms can significantly increase your score on the IELTS speaking test. 

Idioms must be intellectually understood in order to be mastered, and they must also be heard being used correctly by English native speakers. You may be able to utilise it with the appropriate inflection throughout the IELTS speaking test.

What is an Idiom?

An expression that differs from the literal meaning of the separate words when certain terms are used together is referred to as an idiom. An Indian expression is one whose meaning cannot be inferred from the common interpretations of its parts.Idiomatic vocabulary mastery will significantly improve your academic writing and hence raise your IELTS band score. They are all fantastic resources for your IELTS preparation.

Tips to use Idioms for IELTS Speaking:-

Idioms should only be used if you are certain that you are using them correctly and have heard how they are used. Although it may seem harsh, losing points is preferable than this.

Here are some pointers to assist you comprehend the use of idioms in order to improve your score on the IELTS Speaking test

• The seven different categories of idioms pure, prepositional, partial, binomial, euphemistic, proverbial, and cliché must all be mastered by you.
• To sound as natural in your answers, try to sprinkle in a suitable number of idioms. Avoid overusing idioms in your responses.
• Idioms that employ irregular verbs should be noted. If another tense is used, verbs must be conjugated.
• Try to incorporate more ethnic expressions and idioms in your responses. You will sound more like a English speaker.
• In the IELTS, it’s crucial to sound confident in your responses, so be sure to structure them in a way that feels real.
• You are likely to receive an 8 in this category if you use them skillfully and with only occasional errors. This is typical of someone who achieves a 9, as few students use them correctly.

How idioms helps in IELTS speaking test?

You must demonstrate your ability to use idiomatic speech to develop your answers appear more sophisticated in order to use a given band score on the IELTS exam. The actual quality of a candidate during the IELTS is affected by a number of factors. An individual is certain to score higher than other applicants when they provide intelligent and original solutions. The IELTS exam evaluates a person’s proficiency and level of familiarity with the English language.

Practising idioms for IELTS speaking test:-

Make a list of common idioms using a drawing board to prepare for the IELTS writing test. You might try taking this simulated IELTS speaking test to practise learning idioms. You may schedule your responses to get a general picture of how much time you have to respond to a question and how much idiomatic language you use.

Useful idioms for IELTS speaking:-

• A penny for your thought- enquire about the thoughts that a person who is keeping very quiet has.
• Lend an ear- to attentively and amiably hear someone out
• Be sick to death of something- to be frustrated and bored because an undesirable situation has persisted for too long
• In the nick of time- Not yet, but getting near
• Give it one’s  best shot- make every effort possible
• Next to nothing- to be inexpensive
• Put yourself in somebody’s  shoes- To comprehend someone else’s sentiments, put yourself in their shoes.
• Explore all avenues- Look into all options in order to solve a certain issue or get the desired result
• To egg on- to typically support someone in an unwise manner.
• To sit on the fence- err on the side of indecision

Common idioms for IELTS speaking:-

The majority of these are adjectives that describe things, people, or emotions. Because you can use the typical description in place of the idiom, these are usually simpler to utilise.

• Back to the drawing board-when you have tried something, failed, and need to try again 
• The in thing-something in style
• Over the moon- to feel immensely joyful or satisfied
• A piece of cake-extremely simple
• Action speak louder than words- Acting rather than just talking about something is preferable
• Put all your eggs in one basket- Put all of your resources into one endeavour 
• Once in blue moon- occurs just very infrequently

Idioms for IELTS speaking with meaning​

Here are a few useful idioms for IELTS speaking with their meanings:

1. Break the ice – To initiate a conversation and make people comfortable.
   Example: “The host broke the ice with a funny joke.”
2. Hit the nail on the head – To say something exactly right.
   Example: “You hit the nail on the head with your analysis.”
3. Piece of cake – Something very easy.
   Example: “This task is a piece of cake for me.”
4. Burn the midnight oil – To work late into the night.
   Example: “I had to burn the midnight oil to finish the project.”
5. Under the weather – Feeling unwell.
   Example: “I couldn’t attend the class because I was under the weather.”