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.
As easy as ABC
Meaning
Extremely easy or straightforward.
Origin
A child’s first spelling or reading book was commonly called an ABC, hence its metaphorical use to mean the basic elements of something.
In a sentence
The questions Mr. Gillis prepared for the quiz is as easy as ABC.
An Aladdin’s cave
Meaning
A place full of valuable objects.
Origin
From the Arabian Nights tale of Aladdin, who found the magic lamp in a cave.
In a sentence
Not many are aware of this, but he has an Aladdin’s cave of special edition Nike shoes.
Alarms and excursions
Meaning
Confused activity and uproar.
Origin
Originally a call summoning soldiers to arms, the whole phrase is used to stage directions in Shakespeare to indicate a battle scene.
In a sentence
The alarms and excursions over the dismissal of the Marketing Manager have hidden the real problem the company is facing.
Run amok
Meaning
Behave uncontrollably and disruptively.
Origin
The work comes from the Malay 'amuk', meaning “in a homicidal frenzy” ran amok.
In a sentence
He ran amok and threatened the security guard outside the bank with a knife.
Back to square one
Meaning
Back to the starting-point, with no progress made.
Origin
'Square one' may be a reference to a board-game such as Snakes and Ladders or derived from the division of the football pitch into eight numbered sections for early radio commentaries.
In a sentence
After three consecutive defeats, our basketball team is back to square one.
Bite the bullet
Meaning
Face up to doing something difficult or unpleasant; avoid showing any emotion, fear or distress.
Origin
From the days before anaesthetics, wounded soldiers were given a bullet or similar solid object to clench between their teeth when undergoing surgery.
In a sentence
Linda was willing to bite the bullet for the sake of her children’s future.
Have a bone to pick with someone
Meaning
Have reason to disagree or to be annoyed with someone. Informal.
Origin
A bone to pick (or gnaw) has been a metaphor for a problem or difficulty to be thought over since the 16th century.
In a sentence
She was being mean as she had a bone to pick with me.
Draw a blank
Meaning
Does not bring about any response. Be unsuccessful.
Origin
A blank was originally a lottery ticket that did not win a prize; the figurative use of the phrase can be traced back to the 19th century.
In a sentence
There were so many signs linking him to the murder, but the investigators drew a blank.
Turn a blind eye
Meaning
Ignore or pretend not to notice.
Origin
Said to be in reference to Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758-1805), who lifted a telescope to his blind eye at the naval Battle of Copenhagen (1801), thus making certain that he failed to see his superior’s signal to “discontinue action”.
In a sentence
He doesn’t like his daughter’s fiancé, but he is willing to turn a blind eye and accept him as his son-in-law because she loves him.
A blind spot
Meaning
An area into which one cannot see. Also: an aspect of something that someone knows or cares little about.
Origin
These general senses appear to have developed from a cricketing term for the spot of ground in front of a batsman where a ball pitched by the bowler leaves the batsman undecided whether to play forward to it or back.
In a sentence
I like science but math is a blind spot for me.
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 most common idioms in English.