The trick is to understand the culture behind an idiom to truly comprehend it. We’ve put together a new series, “Idioms A-Z: Explained,” to expand your grasp of idioms. Join us as we examine the meanings and historical information of popular idioms.
An idiom (also called idiomatic expression) is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning conventionally understood by native speakers. This meaning is different from the literal meaning of the idiom’s individual elements. In other words, idioms don’t mean exactly what the words say. They have, however, hidden meaning.
For your IELTS Speaking test, idiomatic language can be important, because it is one of the elements in this component of the test the examiner looks for. You can see the marking criteria for your Speaking test here.
An armchair critic
Meaning
A person who knows about a subject only by reading or hearing about it and criticises without active experience or first-hand knowledge.
Origin
Armchair critic is first recorded in 1896 but the concept was around at least a decade earlier when Joseph Chamberlain sneered at opponents as ‘arm-chair politicians’ (1886). Another common variant is armchair traveller, meaning ‘someone who travels in imagination only’.
In a sentence
Ignore the armchair critics and get professional advice from the experts before you start your business.
Throw the baby out (or away) with the bathwater
Meaning
Discard something valuable along with other things that are inessential or undesirable.
Origin
Based on a German saying recorded from early 16th century by Thomas Carlyle who identifies it as German and gives it in the form, “You must empty out the bathing-tub, but not the baby along with it.”
In a sentence
Parts of this strategy are brilliant, so let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water and abandon the entire project.
By (or through) the back door
Meaning
Using indirect or dishonest means to achieve an objective.
Origin
The proverb – a postern (back) door makes a thief, recorded in English since the mid-15th century.
In a sentence
Susan has influential friends, so she secured a high-ranking position in the company by the back door.
The ball is in someone’s court
Meaning
It’s that particular person’s turn to act next.
Origin
A metaphor from tennis or a similar ball game where different players use particular areas of a marked court.
In a sentence
I have done my part so the ball is in your court now.
Bark up the wrong tree
Meaning
Pursue a mistaken or misguided line of thought or course of action.
Origin
The metaphor is of a dog that has mistaken the tree in which its prey has taken refuge and is barking at the foot of the wrong one.
In a sentence
Sarah is angry at John for cheating, but I’m sure she’s barking up the wrong tree.
Get to first base
Meaning
Achieve the first step towards one’s objective.
Origin
'Base' in this idiom refers to each of the four points in the angles of the ‘diamond’ in baseball.
In a sentence
I hope to get to first base with this business deal before I update the company directors on its progress.
With bated breath
Meaning
In great suspense; very anxiously or excitedly.
Origin
Baited, which is sometimes seen, is a misspelling, since 'bated' in this sense is a shortened form of abated, the idea being that one’s breathing is lessened under the influence of extreme suspense.
In a sentence
The suspense is killing me! I’m waiting with bated breath for the announcement about the winner.
Batten down the hatches
Meaning
Prepare for a difficulty or crisis.
Origin
Originally a nautical term meaning ‘make secure a ship’s hatches with gratings and tarpaulins’ in expectation of stormy weather.
In a sentence
A tornado is expected tomorrow evening, so I had better batten down the hatches.
Beat around the bush
Meaning
Discuss a matter without coming to the point; be ineffectual and waste time.
Origin
A metaphor originating in the shooting or netting of birds.
In a sentence
I hope she would stop beating around the bush and answer my question immediately.
Beat the bushes
Meaning
Search thoroughly.
Origin
The expression originates in the practice of hunters who walk through undergrowth with long sticks to force birds or animals hiding in the bushes out into the open where they can be shot or netted.
In a sentence
Shelley is beating the bushes for new customers because business has hit an all-time low.
Learn idiomatic expressions for IELTS
The Speaking test in IELTS is just like a conversation that you would have in everyday life. You may notice many native English speakers use idioms in everyday speech. If you want a higher score for your IELTS Speaking test, you should include some idioms (and use them correctly). In our next Idioms A-Z post, you can learn some more of the most common idioms in English.