Julie Buckingham, teaching IELTS on Cambly for 5

years now and very proud of my student’s

achievements!

USING IDIOMS IN THE IELTS SPEAKING TEST

Band 7 asks for “idiomatic phrases”, so it would be amazing if you could use them in Part 2
to impress the examiner. Maybe you just want to speak like a native, why not learn a few
idioms?
(1) up in the air (a situation that is unknow or uncertain). For example: I hope to emigrate
to Australia but until I pass my English exam, it is all in the air.
(2) cutting corners (not performing a task or duty correctly to save time or money). For
example: I was so late for work, that I had to cut corners and did not make lunch for the
children.
(3) Hitting the nail on the head (performing a task exactly). For example: The hotel
manager hit the nail on the head, he made sure every guest was very satisfied with the
service.
(4) Once in a blue moon (something that does not often happen). For example: We only
go on holiday once in a blue moon but this year we cannot go at all, everyone is so
disappointed.
(5) blow my top (to feel very angry and about to explode). For example: If my neighbour
plays loud music again tonight, I am going to blow my top.
(6) over the moon - when something made you feel happy. For example, I was over the
moon to go on holiday with my family.
(7) cream of the crop - the best of all. For example, I went to a restaurant, it is the cream of
the crop in our city.
(8) heart in my mouth - very frightened/afraid. For example: When we were getting on the
plane, my heart was in my mouth, because I hate flying.
(9) a piece of cake - when something is very easy. For example, When I tried to learn to
swim, it was a piece of cake for me.
(10) it cost a fortune - something is expensive. For example: Our new car cost us a fortune
so we make sure we look after it well.
Look at some part 2 IELTS questions, this is a helpful website for that:
https://www.examword.com/ielts-practice/speaking-exam-question
Which of the above idioms could you use? Try putting it into a sentence!