50 English Idioms Workbook

50 ENGLISH
IDIOMS FOR
IELTS SPEAKING
WORKBOOK
KEITH O'HARE
The Keith Speaking Academy helps you develop your speaking
skills so you can face the examiner with confidence and ace the
IELTS test.
Keith has been working in international education for over 20

years as a teacher, teacher trainer, and education manager.
He has a TESOL Diploma and a MSc in Digital Education.
He has helped over 40,000 students prepare for their IELTS

Speaking test with his online courses.
COPYRIGHT © 2023, KEITH SPEAKING ACADEMY

INTRODUCTION
How to Use This Workbook 2
50 IDIOMS & 10 TOPICS

1. Work and Study 4
2. Family and friends 5
3. Relationships 6
4. Productivity 7
5. Eating 8
6. Decisions 9
7. Feelings 10
8. Events 11
9. Social Media 12
10. Health and Fitness 13
LIST OF IDIOMS 14
WESTMONT HIGH UNDERGRADUATE THESIS 2019

How to Use This Workbook
In this workbook, you will see a series of questions for each topic, and
for each question there is a sample answer.
1. Fill in the gaps (using idioms from the book “50 English Idioms for
IELTS Speaking”) ✍️
2. Don’t check the list of idioms until you have finished! ❌
3. Check your answers by listening to the Workbook Audio 👂
4. Double check your answers in the Answer Key PDF 👀
There is a separate PDF with the answer key, so you can check your
answers.

3

1. Work and Study
How do you manage your time when you have a lot of assignments or
tasks?
Sometimes, I feel like I'm swamped _________ with work, so I create a

simple to-do list and then prioritise the activities in the evening, so I am
ready to start work, in a really focussed way, first thing in the morning.
How do you feel after a long day of studying or working?
After a long day, I just want to _______ it a _________ and relax. It's
exhausting when you're _______ to your neck _______ work.
How often do you study late into the night?
Not often, but sometimes I do have to ______ an __________, especially if

I've procrastinated too much or if I have an exam coming up.

2. Family and Friends
How would you describe your relationship with your best friend?
I think we are like ________ peas in a ________. We get along so well and
have a lot in common. Yeah, I’d say we really enjoy each other’s
company.
Do people say you resemble any of the other members in your family?
Yes, many people say I'm the _________ image ____ my mother. I can see it,
we do have the same face, especially the eyes. However, we have very
different personalities, I mean she is very set _______ her _______, and I am
much more flexible.
Are all your friends similar to you?
Not at all, some of us are ________ chalk and _________. One friend, Ian, well
we are complete opposites, but we do almost _______ in _________ other’s
pockets, so I guess a few things do rub off on each other.

3. Relationships
Who do you spend most time with in your family?
That has to be my mum. We get ______ like a ______ on fire, so we do lots

of activities together, things like going to yoga class or just chatting
over a coffee.
How do you handle disagreements in a relationship?
I think it's natural to not always see ______ to ______, you know everyone
has their ______ and ______, but communication is key. So, if I disagree
with someone I try to be open-minded, discuss any differences and find
common ground.
Describe a memorable first meeting with someone.
I remember meeting my friend Omar at a workshop. Actually in the

beginning, he rubbed me ______ the ______ way, but I later found out that
was due to a misunderstanding. Once that was sorted, we really hit it off
and have been good friends ever since.

4. Productivity
Are you a very productive person?
To some extent, but there are always some tasks, I just never seem to
______ round ______ doing. I guess I am guilty of procrastinating
sometimes.
How do you organise your tasks?
I prioritise urgent tasks first and double ______ on those. Once they're
done, I focus on other important activities. Some days, everything goes
______ clockwork, but other days I seem to be always putting out fires.
Is it important to have a regular routine?
Absolutely, having a regular routine is crucial for efficiency in our

working lives. Sometimes, it is tempting to take a short ______ or cut
______ to save time or effort, but in the long run, I think these shortcuts
can lead to mistakes. With a well-structured routine I can make sure I
give adequate attention to all tasks and responsibilities without
compromising on quality.
7

5. Food and Eating
Do you often eat fast food?
Not too often, to tell the truth, but every once in a while, I like to pig
______ on some burgers and fries. I guess it's one of my guilty pleasures.
Have you ever been on a diet?
Yes, I've tried a few diets, especially after holidays or a time when I feel
like I've been overindulging. And that’s part of the problem, I do like my
food, I’m not a picky ______, so sometimes I do eat too much. So then
later, I do need to watch what I eat sometimes.
Do you often cook?
Yes, well not often, but sometimes. For example, when I know I am going
down the gym and I am going to ______ up an ______, I make sure
beforehand that I make some nice, home-cooked food. That way, when I
get home, and I am so hungry I could eat a ______, I already have
something ready to wolf ______!

6. Decisions
How do you feel when you're unsure about a decision?
When things are ______ in the ______, I usually take some time to reflect. I
will even make a list of pros and cons to help me decide. That said, I
don't like being on the ______ for too long, so sometimes I just decide on
the spur of the moment.
Describe a time when you had to make a significant decision.
I was ______ a crossroads in my career last year. I wanted to leave a

boring but well-paid job, to follow my passion as a musician. After much
contemplation, I decided to take the ______ and make the switch.
Thankfully, so far, it’s working out well.
How do you handle peer pressure?
It depends what they are trying to convince me to do. I mean, I do listen

to my peers, but more often than not, I try to stick ______ my ______,
especially if I believe I'm making the right choice. I think It's important to
trust your instincts.
9

7. Feelings
Do you find it easy to control your feelings?
Not at all. I think that’s really hard to do. One day, I might wake up
feeling down ______ the ______ and have no idea why. Then something
suddenly happens and the next moment, I’m walking ______ _____. It
seems to be something I can’t control easily. I think I’m probably too
easily influenced by external events.
Describe a time when you were extremely nervous.
A while back, I had my first public speaking event, and to be honest, I

was a ______ of nerves. When I walked out on stage I was scared ______ of
my ______, but I just took a deep breath and managed to get through it. In
the end it went well.
How do you react when someone upsets you?
I try to stay calm, but sometimes I can get angry if it's something I feel
strongly about. Last week, someone told me I was a rubbish student,
and I got quite ______ with them, but then I just chose to ignore them.
10

8. Events
Describe the best party or event you've ever attended.
I went to a concert last summer and had the ______ of ______ life. It was
one of my favourite bands and I went with a couple of close friends. The
atmosphere was electric, and I think everyone had a ______ that night.
How do you feel when an event you've organised goes well?
When things ______ _____ a dream, it's a mixture of relief and happiness.
Especially when I’ve put a lot of work into the preparation, it’s nice to
see things going smoothly and everyone having a ______ of a ______.
Do you enjoy social gatherings?
I am quite an introvert, so I am not a big fan of large social events, you

know where lots of strangers are meeting, mingling and chatting. That
said, if I am getting together with a bunch of close friends, I can just let
go, be myself and sometimes I'm the life and ______ of the ______.
11

9. Social Media
How do you discover new trends or popular topics online?
I spend a lot of time on social media, especially Instagram and that’s

where I discover new trends. Actually, I usually notice when something
starts to take ______ on social media, you know before it becomes ______
the ______. I have a pretty good eye for spotting new fads and trends.
How do you handle negative comments online?
It's not always easy, but I try to put _____ _____ it and not let it get to me. I
just try and think that these trolls have totally boring lives, they’re
hooked ______ social media with nothing better to do and so they're not
worth worrying about.
Do you like the way companies promote their products online?
Some adverts can be intrusive, but I understand companies are just

trying to ______ the word ______. They want to reach as many people as
possible, so it’s normal they use social media platforms. I am happy to
click on ads if they are relevant to me.
12

10. Health and Fitness
How do you keep fit?
I try to exercise regularly, so I go walking most mornings, and I swim

twice a week. I am not as ______ as a ______, but I am in reasonably good
shape. After a good workout, I always feel as right as ______.
Is it important to stay fit?
For sure, I mean it you want to avoid serious illness, I think keeping fit is
essential. You don’t have to be fighting ______, like a professional athlete,
but just doing a little exercise each day can improve your quality of life
Why do some people not like to do any exercise?
Well, some might think that getting into a fitness routine is daunting,
especially if they've been ______ of ______ for a while. I also don’t think
they realise that if you’re feeling ______ colour, sometimes the best
remedy is exercise.
13

14

1. Work and Study
To be swamped under (with work)

To be up to my neck (in work)
To hit the books
To call it a day
To pull an all-nighter
2. Family and Friends
To be the spitting image of (someone)

To be set in their ways
To be like chalk and cheese (two people)
To be like to peas in a pod (two people)
To live in each other’s pockets
3. Relationships
To get on like a house on fire

To hit it off (with someone)
To see eye to eye
To rub (someone) up the wrong way
To have our ups and downs
15

4. Productivity
To take a short cut

To cut corners
To get round to (doing something)
To double down on (something)
Like clockwork
5. Food and Eating
To pig out (informal)

To be a picky eater
To wolf down
To eat a horse
To work up an appetite
6. Decisions
To be up in the air
To be on the fence
To be at a crossroads
To take the plunge
To stick to your guns
16

7. Feelings
To walk on air
To feel down in the mouth
To be a bundle of nerves
To be scared out of my wits
To get shirty with someone
8. Events
To have a ball
To go like a dream
To have a whale of a time
To have the time of your life
To be the life and soul (of the party)
9. Social Media
To get hooked on
To put up with
To get the word out
To take off
To be all the rage
17

10. Health and Fitness
To be out of shape
To be fighting fit
To be as fit as a fiddle
To be/feel off colour
To be / feel as right as rain
Find out more information about IELTS Speaking here:
WWW.KEITHSPEAKINGACADEMY.COM
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50 ENGLISH

Keith has been working in international education for over 20

He has helped over 40,000 students prepare for their IELTS

COPYRIGHT © 2023, KEITH SPEAKING ACADEMY

50 IDIOMS & 10 TOPICS

WESTMONT HIGH UNDERGRADUATE THESIS 2019

WESTMONT HIGH UNDERGRADUATE THESIS 2019

WESTMONT HIGH UNDERGRADUATE THESIS 2019

Sometimes, I feel like I'm swamped _________ with work, so I create a

How do you feel after a long day of studying or working?

How often do you study late into the night?

Not often, but sometimes I do have to ______ an __________, especially if

WESTMONT HIGH UNDERGRADUATE THESIS 2019

Are all your friends similar to you?

WESTMONT HIGH UNDERGRADUATE THESIS 2019

That has to be my mum. We get ______ like a ______ on fire, so we do lots

How do you handle disagreements in a relationship?

Describe a memorable first meeting with someone.

I remember meeting my friend Omar at a workshop. Actually in the

WESTMONT HIGH UNDERGRADUATE THESIS 2019

How do you organise your tasks?

Is it important to have a regular routine?

Absolutely, having a regular routine is crucial for efficiency in our

WESTMONT HIGH UNDERGRADUATE THESIS 2019

Have you ever been on a diet?

Do you often cook?

WESTMONT HIGH UNDERGRADUATE THESIS 2019

Describe a time when you had to make a significant decision.

I was ______ a crossroads in my career last year. I wanted to leave a

How do you handle peer pressure?

It depends what they are trying to convince me to do. I mean, I do listen

WESTMONT HIGH UNDERGRADUATE THESIS 2019

Describe a time when you were extremely nervous.

A while back, I had my first public speaking event, and to be honest, I

How do you react when someone upsets you?

WESTMONT HIGH UNDERGRADUATE THESIS 2019

How do you feel when an event you've organised goes well?

Do you enjoy social gatherings?

I am quite an introvert, so I am not a big fan of large social events, you

WESTMONT HIGH UNDERGRADUATE THESIS 2019

I spend a lot of time on social media, especially Instagram and that’s

How do you handle negative comments online?

Do you like the way companies promote their products online?

Some adverts can be intrusive, but I understand companies are just

WESTMONT HIGH UNDERGRADUATE THESIS 2019

I try to exercise regularly, so I go walking most mornings, and I swim

Is it important to stay fit?

Why do some people not like to do any exercise?

WESTMONT HIGH UNDERGRADUATE THESIS 2019

WESTMONT HIGH UNDERGRADUATE THESIS 2019

To be swamped under (with work)

2. Family and Friends

To be the spitting image of (someone)

To get on like a house on fire

WESTMONT HIGH UNDERGRADUATE THESIS 2019

To take a short cut

5. Food and Eating

To pig out (informal)

WESTMONT HIGH UNDERGRADUATE THESIS 2019

WESTMONT HIGH UNDERGRADUATE THESIS 2019

Find out more information about IELTS Speaking here:

WESTMONT HIGH UNDERGRADUATE THESIS 2019

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Not often, but sometimes I do have to an ____, especially if

That has to be my mum. We get like a on fire, so we do lots