Useful Idioms for the IELTS Exam

Here are some idiomatic expressions that can enhance your English language skills for the IELTS

  1. “Break a leg” – Good luck!
  2. “Hit the nail on the head” – Say or do something exactly right.
  3. “A piece of cake” – Something that is very easy.
  4. “Let the cat out of the bag” – Reveal a secret.
  5. “Bite the bullet” – Face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.
  6. “Kill two birds with one stone” – Achieve two things at the same time.
  7. “Cost an arm and a leg” – Be very expensive.
  8. “Once in a blue moon” – Something that happens very rarely.
  9. “The ball is in your court” – It is your turn to take action or make a decision.
  10. “Break the ice” – To initiate or start a conversation or interaction.
  11. “A dime a dozen” – Something that is common and easily available.
  12. “Ace in the hole” – A hidden advantage or secret resource.
  13. “Barking up the wrong tree” – Looking in the wrong place or accusing the wrong person.
  14. “By the skin of my teeth” – Just barely managing to do something.
  15. “Fit as a fiddle” – In good physical health.
  16. “On cloud nine” – Feeling extreme happiness or joy.
  17. “Paint the town red” – To go out and have a great time, often by partying or celebrating.
  18. “Under the weather” – Feeling unwell or sick.
  19. “The apple of my eye” – Someone or something that is treasured or loved deeply.
  20. “A blessing in disguise” – Something that initially seems unfortunate but results in a positive outcome.

Remember to use these idioms appropriately in context to demonstrate your language proficiency during the IELTS exam. Best of luck with your preparation!

Featured

Weather idioms

Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com
  1. “Under the weather” – Feeling unwell or sick.
  2. “Blow hot and cold” – To have inconsistent or unpredictable behaviour or opinions.
  3. “Rain on someone’s parade” – To spoil or ruin someone’s plans or happiness.
  4. “Break the ice” – To initiate or start a conversation or relationship in a friendly way.
  5. “Chase rainbows” – To pursue dreams or goals that are unlikely or unrealistic.
  6. “In a fog” – Confused or unable to think clearly.
  7. “Storm in a teacup” – A situation or problem that is exaggerated or blown out of proportion.
  8. “A ray of sunshine” – A person or thing that brings happiness or joy.
  9. “Under a cloud” – Having a bad reputation or being suspected of wrongdoing.
  10. “Snowed under” – Overwhelmed with a lot of work or tasks.

These idioms are just a few examples, and there are many more weather-related expressions used in different contexts.

Featured

Food Idioms

  1. “Piece of cake” – Refers to something that is very easy to do.
  2. “Spill the beans” – Means to reveal a secret or confidential information.
  3. “The icing on the cake” – Refers to something that makes a good situation even better.
  4. “Bring home the bacon” – Means to earn a living or provide for the family.
  5. “Couch potato” – Describes a person who spends a lot of time sitting or lying down, usually watching television.
  6. “Apples and oranges” – Used to compare two things that are very different and cannot be compared directly.
  7. “Hot potato” – Refers to a difficult or sensitive issue that no one wants to deal with.
  8. “In a pickle” – Means being in a difficult or challenging situation.
  9. “Salt of the earth” – Refers to a person who is genuine, reliable, and trustworthy.
  10. “Spice things up” – Means to make something more interesting or exciting.

I hope you find these food idioms useful! Let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with.

Why you need to know English idioms

English idioms play a vital role in effective communication and language proficiency. Here’s why knowing English idioms is important:

  1. Enhancing Communication Skills: Idioms are commonly used in everyday conversations and are an integral part of the English language. Understanding and using idioms helps you express thoughts, ideas, and emotions more effectively.
  2. Improving Comprehension: Idioms often convey meanings that cannot be derived from the literal words used. Knowing idioms enables you to comprehend the complete message, even when words are used figuratively.
  3. Cultural Insight: Idioms are deeply rooted in the culture of a language. Learning English idioms provides insight into English-speaking cultures, helping you understand their customs, beliefs, and values.
  4. Adding Fluency and Naturalness: Incorporating idioms into your language use makes your speech sound more fluent, natural, and authentic. It adds an extra layer of richness to your language skills.
  5. Enhancing Writing Skills: Idioms can add depth and creativity to your writing, whether it’s in formal or informal contexts. Utilizing idioms appropriately can make your written work more engaging and expressive.

Remember, mastering idioms is an ongoing process, requiring practice and exposure to various idiomatic expressions. Happy learning!

Photo by Hailey Galloway on Pexels.com
Featured

Why you need a personal language tutor

Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger on Pexels.com

Are you looking for a personal language tutor? That’s a great idea! A personal language tutor can provide you with valuable guidance and support as you learn a new language and you definitely need another human, not artificial intelligence to teach you. Here are a few steps you can take to find a suitable tutor:

  1. Determine your language learning goals: Before searching for a tutor, it’s important to define your language learning goals. Do you want to improve your conversational skills, prepare for an exam, or learn the language for travel purposes?
  2. Read the tutor’s profiles and reviews: Once you’ve found a potential tutor, read their profiles and reviews to get an idea of their teaching style and experience. Look for tutors with expertise in your target language and positive feedback from previous students.
  3. Consider your budget and schedule: Determine your budget for tutoring sessions and find tutors who offer rates within your range. Additionally, consider your availability and find a tutor who can accommodate your schedule.
  4. Discuss your expectations and learning preferences: During the first lesson or initial meeting, communicate your language learning goals, preferred learning style, and any specific areas you want to focus on. This will help the tutor tailor their lessons to your needs.
  5. Discuss learning methods and materials: In your interview, talk to the tutor about their teaching methods and the materials they use. Make sure their approach aligns with your preferred learning style, whether it’s through conversation practice, structured lessons, or a combination of different techniques.
  6. Establish a regular lesson schedule: Once you’ve selected a tutor, establish a regular lesson schedule that works for both of you. Consistency is key when it comes to language learning, so aim for regular sessions that allow you to progress steadily.
  7. Remember, finding a personal language tutor who meets your needs is crucial for a successful learning journey. Take your time, explore various options, and choose a tutor who motivates and inspires you to achieve your language goals.

Good luck with your language-learning journey!

Featured

Why reading books will improve your English

Photo by Caio on Pexels.com

Reading books can improve your English

Reading books in English doesn’t have to be difficult and impossible. Even if your level of language is basic, you can start reading books for children and simple stories which can help you understand simple sentences and words.

What are the pros of reading in English?

1. Developing vocabulary

When you read books in English, it is a great opportunity to check how the words are used and in which context. What is more, by reading you remember more new words and you see how to use these words correctly in a sentence. It doesn’t mean that you have to check the meaning of every new word in every sentence of the book because it isn’t necessary to understand every single word. What is important is to understand the plot and general purpose of the story.

2. Developing grammar

Reading in English is not only about learning new words. It is also a chance to learn collocations, structures, and grammar without memorizing boring rules.  

3. Developing confidence

When you are able to read books in English, your confidence develops and you start to think in a different language. It is a great feeling if you understand an English book even if it is a story for children. You can start with simple stories and then read more complex ones adequate to your language level.

If your English level lets you read novels, it is a good idea to start by watching a movie based on a novel and then reading a book. It can help you understand the plot better. Another idea is to read a novel in your native language first and then the same book in English. If you are not ready to read a full book, short stories will be the best choice for you. Remember to select books and choose the right book for your level of English. Reading books or novels which are too difficult, can cause frustration. 

If you need more information or you are looking for a private English tutor to help you learn and improve your English, contact me via skype: englishlessonsonline123 and visit my website https://englishforyouonline.club/

Featured

5 reasons why you need online tutoring

  1. Saving time and money

In 2022 everyone feels the economic impact of the pandemic and inflation. We look for new ways and ideas on how to save money in everyday life. Online tutoring is one of them. Why? Because you save money on travelling to your tutor and also your tutor saves money on travelling to you. That’s why online lessons are cheaper than face-to-face lessons. Moreover, you also save precious time because you can learn at home, at school, in the cafe, or wherever you are if only you have the internet access and your laptop. It gives you great flexibility and freedom.

  1. Access to professional tutors from around the world

Online tutoring gives you an amazing opportunity to meet high-quality and experienced tutors from all around the world. This is very easy and it can broaden your horizons. It is also a chance to meet new people from a different culture and country than yours.

  1. You can learn from every place in the world

No matter if you are at home, if you visit your relative, or if you are on holiday, you can learn English online anytime and anywhere. All you need is your computer or smartphone and access to the internet. That’s it. This is one of the biggest advantages of online tutoring. In the world of busy schedules, lack of free time, and constant rush, learning online is the greatest solution for employees, students, pupils, and anyone, who would like to learn English.

  1. Health and Safety

In the modern world, aspects like health and safety are very important for many people who prefer to meet online instead of meeting people face-to-face. Online tutoring is the most excellent way of learning and keeping safe, especially during the flu season.

  1. Online materials and folders

Online tutoring is based on plans, materials, books, and folders which can be stored on your computer and online. You don’t have to print everything and keep hundreds of sheets of paper on your desk. It saves your time, space, and also the environment!

Conclusion

Online tutoring and learning English online is a great opportunity to learn English from anywhere in the world and meet new people from different countries. What is more and also very important, it saves your time and money because you don’t have to commute to meet with your private tutor.

English For You Online Club

Come and join me in the exciting journey of studying English, the beautiful language of Shakespeare and today’s world. Explore British culture, music, history, places, towns, cities and wonderful countryside by using original texts and videos.
I will help you get to know this unique and small country full of lovely people, diversity, amazing historic and modern architecture, culture, tradition, fairy tale castles and never-ending adventure of finding hidden gems of nature.
Come, and let me help you fall in love with this wonderful language, knowledge of which will open the door for you to get a better job, to travel all over the world, to be able to communicate wherever you are and to do so many great things which are not possible without knowing English.

Teaching takes place mainly online via skype, but if you live nearby we can arrange face to face lessons at your home, a cosy café or wherever it suits us.
If you are already excited and eager to study send me a message. We will arrange a free 30 minutes meeting to talk about your specific language needs and set a plan for your study.

I will be delighted to lead you and help you achieve your learning goals.

Do not forget to follow this website to get more information and interesting resources to study English.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton