8 Best Idioms For IELTS Speaking

English Idioms for Ielts Speaking, expressions and proverbs are an essential part of the English language, both spoken and written English are saturated with them.

For people learning English idioms are frustrating to make head or tail of, the reason being Idioms don’t make objective sense.

To learn the meanings and usage of idioms, language learners must study and familiarize themselves with their everyday usage.

The team at LillyPad understands the pain and difficulties English Learners bump into comprehending the true meaning and accurate usage. This list of idioms for IELTS Speaking makes learning easy as ABC, with common Ielts Speaking idioms, definitions, and example sentences which make the meaning clear.

Learning to use common idioms and expressions will make your English sound more native, so it’s a good idea to master some of these expressions with daily practice, so bookmark this page or share it with your friends; now let us learn about idioms for Ielts Speaking together.

 

Idioms for IELTS Speaking with Meanings, Definitions & Example Sentences

1. Set In Their Ways

Definition and Meaning: There Are Many Ways To Do Something

The idiom “set in their ways” means someone who has become stubborn, inflexible, and unwilling to change. It’s often used when describing people who refuse to listen to reason or advice.

There Are Many Ways To Do Something Example Sentences:

• My grandfather was set in his ways and refused to go to the hospital for a checkup.
• He had been set in his ways and would not budge from his opinion about activism.
• They were set in their ways and wouldn’t even consider changing their habits.
• His parents were set in their ways; they didn’t want him to move out until he was married.

2. On The Dot

Definition and Meaning: On The Dot

The idiom “on the dot” means exactly on time, as specified by an appointment or deadline.

On The Dot Example Sentences:

• I’m on the dot for my meeting with your boss.
• He’s always on the dot when it comes to his appointments.
• We were supposed to meet at noon, but she arrived five minutes early. She’s always early, if not on the dot.

3. To Sugarcoat

Definition and Meaning: To Sugarcoat

The expression “to sugarcoat” means to make something more palatable or attractive.

To Sugarcoat Example Sentences:

• The company tried to sugarcoat the layoffs by offering severance packages.
• Don’t try to sugarcoat the real situation if you want to get help.
• My doctor didn’t try to sugarcoat my diagnosis.
• He was trying to sugarcoat the truth.

4. Beat Around The Bush

Definition and Meaning: Beat Around The Bush

The expression “beat around the bush” is an idiom that means avoiding direct answers to questions, especially when one does not want to reveal information.

Beat Around The Bush Example Sentences:

• Be straightforward, and don’t beat around the bush when talking to your boss.
• If you beat around the bush, we will just waste our time.
• He will beat around the bush, and you need to ask him probing questions to get the truth.

5. Not Rocket Science

Definition and Meaning: Not Rocket Science

The expression “not rocket science” means something is not complicated.

Not Rocket Science Example Sentences:

• If you give it a try, cooking your meal is not rocket science at all.
• It’s not rocket science to learn how to bike.
• Solving a Rubik’s cube is not rocket science, but I still find it hard.

6. Rule Of Thumb

Definition and Meaning: Rule Of Thumb

“A rule of thumb” is a general guideline based on experience or observation rather than scientific principles.

Rule Of Thumb Example Sentences:

• The rule of thumb in learning is to take notes and read consistently.
• Follow the rule of thumb in baking: always make accurate measurements.
• It’s a rule of thumb to avoid disclosing your personal information to strangers.

7. Water Under The Bridge

Definition and Meaning: Water Under The Bridge

“Water under the bridge” means something is in the past and has been dealt with or resolved.

Water Under The Bridge Example Sentences:

• We used to have arguments, but all our issues were water under the bridge.
• Let’s move past that embarrassing moment; it’s water under the bridge.
• Our past misunderstandings are water under the bridge. We worked on communicating better.

8. The Last Straw

Definition and Meaning: The Last Straw

The expression “the last straw” is describes a situation where someone has had enough and can’t take anymore.

The Last Straw Example Sentences:

• She was very patient, but it was the last straw when he stole her keys as a prank.
• This is the last straw. I’m leaving you.
• He’s not giving her another chance anymore. It’s the last straw when she lies again.

Looking for more examples of English Idioms with example sentences, correct usage and meanings?
Best Idioms For Speaking
Useful Idioms For English Language Learners
Everyday Idioms For English
Common Idioms For Esl Students
Useful Idioms For Esl Adults