50+ Essential Idioms for IELTS Speaking to Improve Fluency

Mastering idioms and phrases can make a real difference in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Speaking test, which counts for 25% of your overall band score. This part of the IELTS exam measures fluency, coherence, vocabulary range, grammar, and pronunciation. Idiomatic expressions, when used correctly, help you stand out by sounding natural and confident.

Candidates who use idioms naturally often score higher in the Lexical Resource criterion as they: 

• Improve fluency by reducing pauses and filler words
• Demonstrate advanced vocabulary and flexible language use
• Keep the listener engaged with relatable, expressive language

This guide shares the most useful idioms, tips, and examples to boost your IELTS Speaking score.

List of Idioms for IELTS Speaking

Idioms play a crucial role in improving fluency and making your responses sound more natural in the IELTS Speaking test. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of idioms for English speaking, categorized based on their relevance and usefulness in different situations. Each section includes idioms with their meanings, example sentences, and IELTS-specific usage to help you integrate them effectively into your answers.

20 Useful Idioms for IELTS Speaking Exam with Example Question & Answer

Idiom	Meaning	IELTS-Specific Example
A blessing in disguise	Something good that isn't recognized at first	Failing my first IELTS attempt was a blessing in disguise because it helped me prepare better.
A penny for your thoughts	Asking someone what they are thinking	Examiner: "You seem thoughtful. A penny for your thoughts?"
A perfect storm	The worst possible situation	My test day was a perfect storm—traffic, rain, and a delayed exam slot.
Actions speak louder than words	What you do is more important than what you say	Instead of just saying I’d improve my English, I practiced daily. Actions speak louder than words.
Back to square one	Start over	I didn’t get the required band, so it’s back to square one with my preparation.
Barking up the wrong tree	Looking in the wrong place, accusing the wrong person	If you think memorizing answers will help in IELTS, you're barking up the wrong tree.
Bite the bullet	To endure something difficult	I was nervous about the speaking test, but I had to bite the bullet and give it my best shot.
Break the ice	Make people feel more comfortable	The examiner's friendly smile helped break the ice during my speaking test.
Costs an arm and a leg	Very expensive	IELTS coaching classes cost an arm and a leg, but they’re worth it.
Cross that bridge when you come to it	Deal with a problem when it arises	I haven’t planned my IELTS reattempt yet—I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
Curiosity killed the cat	Being inquisitive can lead to trouble	I kept asking the examiner for hints, but curiosity killed the cat.
Down in the dumps	Feeling sad or depressed	After a low speaking score, I was down in the dumps for days.
Easy does it	Slow down	The examiner told me, "Easy does it, take your time to answer."
Feeling under the weather	Feeling ill	I was feeling under the weather, but I still gave my best effort in the exam.
Go the extra mile	Make an extra effort	I went the extra mile by practicing with native speakers.
Hit the books	Study hard	I need to hit the books to get my target IELTS band.
In the same boat	In the same situation	My friends and I are all in the same boat—we need IELTS for university admission.
On thin ice	In a risky situation	Speaking too fast during the test put me on thin ice, as I made mistakes.
Play it by ear	Decide as you go	I didn’t memorize answers. I just played it by ear and spoke naturally.
The ball is in your court	It’s your decision or responsibility	The examiner asked, "You have one minute to prepare; the ball is in your court."

20 Common Idioms for IELTS Speaking Exam with Meaning and Example

Idiom	Meaning	IELTS-Specific Example
A dime a dozen	Something common and not special	Common vocabulary words are a dime a dozen, so I focused on unique expressions.
A piece of cake	Very easy	The reading section was a piece of cake for me.
Better late than never	It's better to do something late than not do it at all	I started IELTS prep late, but better late than never.
Bite off more than you can chew	Take on more than you can handle	I tried learning too many complex words and bit off more than I could chew.
Break a leg	Good luck	My teacher told me, "Break a leg!" before my exam.
Burn the midnight oil	Work late into the night	I burned the midnight oil studying for the test.
Call it a day	Stop working on something	I studied all day, and now it's time to call it a day.
Cry over spilled milk	Complain about a past loss	I got a low score, but no use crying over spilled milk.
Cut somebody some slack	Don’t be so critical	I was nervous; the examiner cut me some slack.
Cutting corners	Doing something poorly to save time	Memorizing answers is like cutting corners—it doesn't help in IELTS.
Devil’s advocate	Argue for the sake of it	The examiner played devil’s advocate to test my argument skills.
Draw the line	Set a limit	I draw the line at using fake accents in IELTS speaking.
Elephant in the room	An obvious problem that’s ignored	My pronunciation was the elephant in the room until I worked on it.
Every cloud has a silver lining	There's something good in every bad situation	I failed once, but every cloud has a silver lining—I improved my skills.
Get out of hand	Get out of control	My speaking nerves got out of hand, and I forgot my points.
Get your act together	Work better or leave	I had to get my act together to improve my writing skills.
Hang in there	Don’t give up	Hang in there! You’ll get your desired band soon.
It’s not rocket science	It's not complicated	IELTS is challenging but not rocket science—you just need practice.
Keep your chin up	Stay positive	I didn’t score well, but I’ll keep my chin up and try again.
Leave no stone unturned	Search thoroughly	I left no stone unturned in my preparation.

20 Best Idioms for IELTS Speaking

Idiom	Meaning	IELTS-Specific Example
Off to a flying start	Beginning something successfully from the very start.	"My IELTS preparation got off to a flying start with a great study plan."
On the ball	Being alert and understanding things quickly.	"The examiner appreciated my quick responses, saying I was on the ball."
Out of the blue	Something happening suddenly and unexpectedly.	"A complex question came out of the blue, but I answered it confidently."
Once in a blue moon	An event that happens very rarely.	"I travel abroad once in a blue moon, so my English speaking needs practice."
Pass with flying colours	To succeed with a high score or great results.	"I worked hard on my IELTS preparation and passed with flying colours."
Piece of cake	A task or activity that is very easy.	"Speaking about my hobbies was a piece of cake in the IELTS test."
Pull the plug	To stop or discontinue something completely.	"If my preparation method doesn’t work, I’ll pull the plug and try another strategy."
Rags to riches	A story of rising from poverty to great wealth.	"He shared a rags-to-riches story in the speaking test."
Raining cats and dogs	Raining very heavily.	"It was raining cats and dogs, so I couldn’t practice my speaking at the café."
Seeing eye to eye	When two people completely agree on something.	"My tutor and I saw eye to eye on the best IELTS strategies."
Spill the beans	To reveal a secret.	"I didn’t want to spill the beans about my IELTS score before the results were out."
Storm in a teacup	Exaggerating a small problem unnecessarily.	"I was nervous before the test, but it was just a storm in a teacup."
Swallow one’s pride	To accept something humiliating or embarrassing.	"I had to swallow my pride and take extra speaking lessons."
Take with a pinch of salt	To be skeptical about something.	"Online IELTS score predictions should be taken with a pinch of salt."
The ship has sailed	A missed opportunity that can no longer be taken.	"I didn’t register on time for the IELTS exam, so the ship has sailed."
Time flies	Time passes very quickly.	"Time flies during the speaking test, so manage it well."
Tough cookie	A strong, determined person.	"You need to be a tough cookie to ace the IELTS exam."
Up in smoke	A plan or effort that fails to materialize.	"Without practice, my dream of a high band score could go up in smoke."
Well-oiled machine	A team or system that works smoothly and efficiently.	"My study routine became a well-oiled machine before the exam."
Works like a charm	Something that functions exactly as intended.	"Using sample questions worked like a charm in my IELTS preparation."

20 Simple Idioms for IELTS Speaking

Idiom	Meaning	IELTS-Specific Example
All ears	Listening carefully.	"During the listening test, I was all ears to catch every detail."
Bite the bullet	To endure a painful experience bravely.	"I had to bite the bullet and retake the IELTS when I didn’t get my desired score."
Break a leg	A way of wishing someone good luck.	"My friend told me to break a leg before my speaking test."
By the book	Following rules exactly.	"To get a high writing score, I followed the IELTS structure by the book."
Cry over spilled milk	Wasting time worrying about things that have already happened.	"I got nervous after making a mistake, but I reminded myself not to cry over spilled milk."
Cut to the chase	Get to the main point quickly.	"In Part 2 of the speaking test, I had to cut to the chase to finish in time."
Face the music	Accepting the consequences of one’s actions.	"I didn’t study well, so I had to face the music when my IELTS score was low."
Give someone a hand	To help someone.	"My teacher gave me a hand in improving my pronunciation."
Hit the nail on the head	To describe something exactly right.	"The examiner said I hit the nail on the head with my explanation."
In the same boat	To be in the same difficult situation as others.	"All IELTS candidates are in the same boat, facing test-day pressure."
Jump the gun	To act too soon without thinking.	"I jumped the gun and answered before fully understanding the question."
Keep an eye on	To watch or monitor something carefully.	"I kept an eye on my timing to complete all tasks in the writing test."
Leave no stone unturned	To try every possible way to achieve something.	"I left no stone unturned in preparing for my IELTS exam."
On cloud nine	Extremely happy or excited.	"I was on cloud nine after getting my desired band score."
Pull yourself together	To calm down and regain control of emotions.	"I took a deep breath to pull myself together before my speaking test."
Short and sweet	Brief but effective.	"My answers in Part 1 were short and sweet."
Take a rain check	Postponing an invitation or event.	"I had to take a rain check on my plans to focus on IELTS preparation."
Under the weather	Feeling unwell or sick.	"I was under the weather on test day, but I did my best."
Zip your lips	To stay quiet or keep a secret.	"I had to zip my lips about the test topics after taking IELTS."
Zero in on	To focus completely on something.	"I zeroed in on improving my vocabulary for a better speaking score."

People Further Read: IELTS Syllabus

10 Powerful Phrases to Boost Your IELTS Speaking Score

Using natural and expressive phrases in your IELTS Speaking test can help improve fluency, coherence, and vocabulary. Below is a categorized list of top phrases for IELTS speaking  to enhance your responses.

Phrases for Personal Experiences & Daily Life

Phrase	Meaning	IELTS-Specific Example
"One of the most memorable experiences of my life was..."	Used to introduce a personal story	"One of the most memorable experiences of my life was when I traveled solo for the first time."
"Looking back, I realize that..."	Reflecting on past events	"Looking back, I realize that practicing mock tests helped me gain confidence."
"I couldn’t believe my eyes when..."	Expressing surprise	"I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw my IELTS score – it was higher than expected!"
"It was a wake-up call for me."	Realizing something important	"Failing my first IELTS attempt was a wake-up call for me to study harder."
"It taught me a valuable lesson about..."	Talking about personal growth	"Living alone abroad taught me a valuable lesson about independence."

Phrases for Education & Career

Phrase	Meaning	IELTS-Specific Example
"Education plays a crucial role in..."	Talking about the importance of education	"Education plays a crucial role in shaping one’s future career."
"In today’s competitive job market..."	Introducing a point about career	"In today’s competitive job market, having strong communication skills is essential."
"From an academic perspective..."	Giving a formal opinion on education	"From an academic perspective, studying abroad offers immense benefits."
"It was a turning point in my career."	Describing an important career moment	"Getting my first internship was a turning point in my career."
"One of the biggest challenges students face is..."	Highlighting an issue	"One of the biggest challenges students face is managing time effectively."

Phrases for Travel & Adventure

Phrase	Meaning	IELTS-Specific Example
"I have a strong desire to explore..."	Expressing interest in travel	"I have a strong desire to explore European countries."
"Nothing compares to the feeling of..."	Expressing excitement about an experience	"Nothing compares to the feeling of standing on top of a mountain after a long hike."
"It was an eye-opening experience."	Learning something new while traveling	"Visiting historical sites in Rome was an eye-opening experience."
"I stepped out of my comfort zone when..."	Describing a challenging travel experience	"I stepped out of my comfort zone when I tried skydiving."
"If I had the chance, I would love to visit..."	Talking about future travel plans	"If I had the chance, I would love to visit Japan during cherry blossom season."

Phrases for Health & Well-being

Phrase	Meaning	IELTS-Specific Example
"Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is key."	Talking about health and fitness	"Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is key to staying productive."
"Stress has become an inevitable part of modern life."	Talking about mental health	"Stress has become an inevitable part of modern life, so it's important to find ways to relax."
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away."	Talking about healthy habits	"I believe in the saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ and try to eat healthy foods."
"Getting enough sleep is just as important as exercising."	Emphasizing sleep’s role in health	"I always make sure to get enough sleep before an important exam."
"A little exercise goes a long way."	Explaining the benefits of regular physical activity	"Even a short walk every day can improve one’s overall health. A little exercise goes a long way."

Phrases for Technology & Innovation

Phrase	Meaning	IELTS-Specific Example
"Technology has revolutionized the way we..."	Talking about the impact of technology	"Technology has revolutionized the way we communicate and learn."
"We live in a digital age where..."	Discussing technological advancements	"We live in a digital age where online education is becoming more popular."
"Artificial Intelligence is a game-changer."	Expressing the importance of AI	"Artificial Intelligence is a game-changer in healthcare and finance."
"The pros outweigh the cons when it comes to..."	Comparing benefits and drawbacks	"The pros outweigh the cons when it comes to online learning."
"Keeping up with the latest technology can be challenging."	Talking about the rapid evolution of tech	"Keeping up with the latest technology can be challenging, but it’s essential in today’s world."

Phrases for Expressing Opinions & Ideas

Phrase	Meaning	IELTS-Specific Example
"In my opinion..."	Expressing personal viewpoints	"In my opinion, reading books is still important despite the rise of digital media."
"To be honest, I strongly believe that..."	Giving a personal opinion	"To be honest, I strongly believe that environmental issues should be prioritized."
"From my perspective..."	Providing a subjective viewpoint	"From my perspective, learning a second language is a valuable skill."
"If you ask me, I would say..."	Sharing personal thoughts	"If you ask me, I would say that traditional education is still more effective than online courses."
"Without a doubt, I think..."	Expressing certainty	"Without a doubt, I think technology has made our lives more convenient."

Phrases for Describing People & Situations

Phrase	Meaning	IELTS-Specific Example
"He/She is the kind of person who..."	Describing someone’s personality	"She is the kind of person who always stays positive, no matter what."
"A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity"	Talking about a rare experience	"Studying abroad was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me."
"A major turning point in my life"	Describing an important event	"Moving to a new country was a major turning point in my life."
"It was an experience I will never forget."	Emphasizing a strong memory	"My first job interview was an experience I will never forget."
"I look up to him/her because..."	Explaining admiration for someone	"I look up to my professor because he is extremely knowledgeable."

Phrases for Time & Change

Phrase	Meaning	IELTS-Specific Example
"Over the years, I have realized that..."	Talking about change over time	"Over the years, I have realized that learning from mistakes is crucial."
"Time flies when you’re having fun."	Talking about how time passes quickly	"Time flies when you're preparing for IELTS Speaking!"
"I have come a long way since..."	Describing personal growth	"I have come a long way since my first IELTS practice test."
"Looking ahead, I hope to..."	Talking about future goals	"Looking ahead, I hope to start my own business one day."
"Change is the only constant in life."	Talking about the inevitability of change	"Change is the only constant in life, so it’s important to adapt."

Further Read: IELTS Band Score Chart (PDF): Table for Reading, Writing, Speaking, & Listening

Difference Between IELTS Idioms and Phrases

When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, understanding the difference between idioms and phrases can help improve fluency and vocabulary usage. Below is a table outlining the key differences between the two, incorporating the keyword idioms for IELTS speaking.

Feature	Idioms for IELTS Speaking	Phrases for IELTS Speaking
Definition	Idioms are fixed expressions with meanings that are different from the literal interpretation of individual words.	Phrases are groups of words that function as meaningful units in a sentence but often retain their literal meaning.
Complexity	More complex and figurative, requiring contextual understanding.	Simpler and more direct, making them easier to use.
Usage in IELTS	Helps demonstrate advanced fluency, but should be used appropriately and naturally.	Helps structure responses clearly and effectively.
Example	"Break the ice" – To start a conversation in a friendly manner.	"In my opinion" – Used to express personal views.
Risk Factor	High – Misuse or overuse can sound unnatural or confusing.	Low – Generally safe to use as long as grammar is correct.
Suitability	Best for Band 7+ candidates who are confident in English.	Suitable for all candidates, including those aiming for Band 6+.

Our Readers Also Read : Important Vocabulary For IELTS: Vocab Words For IELTS

Exercises & Sample Answers for Idioms in English-Speaking

Using idioms for IELTS speaking naturally in your responses can significantly boost your fluency and lexical resource scores. Below are sample exercises and answers incorporating idioms for IELTS speaking for each part of the test.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Sample Questions with Idioms

Q1: Do you enjoy your job or studies?
A: Absolutely! I’m passionate about my work—it's right up my alley (something I’m good at and enjoy). Every day brings a new challenge, so I never feel like I’m stuck in a rut (feeling bored or unmotivated).

Q2: How do you usually spend your weekends?
A: I usually let my hair down (relax and enjoy myself) by watching movies or catching up with friends. Sometimes, I also burn the midnight oil (stay up late) to finish my projects.

Read Sample Reading Answers of IELTS 2025: The Development Of Plastic

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Sample Cue Card Responses

Cue Card Topic: Describe a time when you helped someone.

A:
Last month, I helped my friend prepare for her IELTS exam. She was at her wit’s end (extremely worried), so I decided to step in. We worked together every evening, and I made sure she didn’t throw in the towel (give up). In the end, she passed with flying colors! (achieved a great result) It was a rewarding experience, and I felt on top of the world (extremely happy).

Also Read: The Birth of Scientific English: How Language Shaped Discovery – IELTS Reading Answers

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Sample Discussion Answers

Q: Do you think teamwork is important in the workplace?
A: Definitely! A successful team is like a well-oiled machine (works efficiently together). If everyone pulls their weight, then work becomes easier. However, if someone drops the ball (fails to fulfill a responsibility), it can cause major issues.

Q: How has technology changed the way people communicate?
A: Technology has revolutionized communication. These days, staying in touch is a piece of cake (very easy). However, some people argue that social media is a double-edged sword (has both advantages and disadvantages) because it can reduce face-to-face interactions.

Sample Reading Answers for IELTS: Making Every Drop Count Reading Answers, Air Traffic Control In The USA Reading Answers, Bring Back The Big Cats Reading Answers 

Dos & Don’ts of Using Idioms in IELTS Speaking

Using idioms for IELTS speaking effectively can boost your fluency and vocabulary score, but incorrect usage can lower your marks. Follow these essential dos and don’ts to use idioms naturally and accurately.

Here’s a concise table for the Dos & Don’ts of Using Idioms in IELTS Speaking:

Alt Text: Dos and Donts of using idioms in IELTS Speaking 

Dos	Don’ts
Use idioms naturally in context.	Don’t force idioms into responses.
Choose commonly used, modern idioms.	Avoid outdated or rarely used idioms.
Practice idioms in daily conversations.	Don’t memorize without understanding.
Match idioms with the question type.	Don’t overuse—quality over quantity.
Ensure correct pronunciation and grammar.	Avoid idioms you’re unsure about.
Use idioms to enhance, not complicate, your answers.	Don’t replace simple words just for idioms.
Listen to native speakers for real usage.	Never translate idioms from your native language.
Pick idioms that feel natural to you.	Don’t mix idioms incorrectly.
Keep them relevant to the topic.	Avoid misusing idioms—it can confuse the examiner.
Use them confidently and fluently.	Don’t panic if you forget one; just rephrase fluently.

Read More : How to Get IELTS Certificate

How Can You Practice Idioms Effectively?

Using idioms for IELTS Speaking correctly can make your responses sound more natural and fluent. Here are some practical ways to practice and incorporate them into your speech:

• Immerse Yourself in English Daily
  Watch English TV shows, movies, and podcasts where native speakers naturally use idioms. Reading articles, books, and scripts will also expose you to commonly used idioms for IELTS Speaking in context.
• Maintain an Idioms Journal
  Create a personal collection of idioms with their meanings and example sentences. Save them as a digital file, like an Idioms for IELTS Speaking PDF, for quick revision and better retention.
• Practice Using Idioms in Conversations
  Start incorporating idioms into your daily speech. Focus on frequently used speaking idioms for IELTS first, then gradually expand your IELTS Speaking vocabulary list to sound more fluent.
• Learn from IELTS Experts
  Watch IELTS Speaking test tutorials to understand how past test-takers effectively used idioms. Observe their fluency and pronunciation to apply these idioms for IELTS Speaking naturally in your responses.

Check out IELTS Writing Task 1:  Tips for IELTS Writing 

Conclusion

Fluency is not just about words but how naturally you weave them into conversation. Using IELTS Speaking Idioms effectively can make your answers authentic, engaging and memorable. The secret is consistent practice. Listen to native speakers, observe how idioms for IELTS Speaking are used, and apply them naturally in your responses. Over time, your delivery will become effortless, your vocabulary richer, and your confidence unshakable.

Want to take your preparation further? Book a 1:1 free counselling session with our IELTS experts or explore the IELTS eBooks by upGrad to give your preparation the winning edge today.