9 Useful Idioms For TOEFL

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

For ESL Students idioms for Toefl are confusing to take in and absorb, the reason being Idioms don’t make common sense.

To learn the meanings and usage of idioms, ESL students must practice and familiarize themselves with their everyday usage.

The team at Lillypad understands the pain and difficulties English Learners confront comprehending the true meaning and accurate usage. This idioms list of Toefl makes learning effortless, with common Toefl 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 Toefl together.

 

Idioms for TOEFL with Meanings, Definitions & Example Sentences

 

1. Read Between The Lines

Definition and Meaning: Read Between The Lines

The idiom “read between the lines” means interpreting something by looking at its context.

Read Between The Lines Example Sentences:

• He’s not telling me everything, so I’m going to have to read between the lines.
• I can tell you’re unhappy about this, so I’ll just read between the lines here and leave.
• The entrepreneur wants to skip the formalities and get straight down to business but doesn’t want to appear rude. So, we read between the lines and made the program quicker.
• Sometimes, you need to be sensitive and read between the lines.
• He said he was sorry for his behavior, but I didn’t believe him. He had a lot of excuses, and they were all lies. So, I read between the lines and realized he wasn’t really sorry.

2. Test The Waters

Definition and Meaning: Test The Waters

This expression “test the waters” means to see if a new idea or plan will work by trying it out on someone first.

Test The Waters Example Sentences:

• Before diving into the business, test the waters by conducting market research.
• We tested the waters in our community before deciding to start a nonprofit organization.
• He wants to test the waters before he decides whether to run for governor.
• The launching of the company’s IPO was delayed because they wanted to test the waters first.
• You must test the water before using a new skincare product. It might cause you to break out if you’re not careful.

3. Break A Leg

Definition and Meaning: Break A Leg

The idiomatic expression “break a leg” is said when one wishes another person good luck or success on an upcoming event or activity.

Break A Leg Example Sentences:

• We need to break a leg and impress the audience.
• He told me to break a leg on my first day at work.
• My mother told me that I needed to break a leg on this job interview.
• She will break a leg tonight during her performance at the operetta.
• The ballet company will have to break a leg tonight because the President is part of the audience.

4. The Last Straw

Definition and Meaning: The Last Straw

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

The Last Straw Example Sentences:

• The last straw that broke their relationship was when he told her he loved another woman.
• My sister and I always get along. The last straw that made me go low contact with her was when she called me a liar.
• I’m done with this job. The last straw was when the boss made me work on Christmas Day.
• What’s the last straw that would make you quit and take action?
• People usually are reactive. They wait for the last straw before wading into a conflict or issue.

5. Easy Does It

Definition and Meaning: Easy Does It

The phrase “easy does it” means doing a task slowly and carefully to avoid making mistakes.

Easy Does It Example Sentences:

• Do not rush into things because easy does it!
• I’m going to take my time with this project. Remember that easy does it!
• He always reminds me that easy does it. That’s why I take it slow and enjoy the process.
• You can’t be successful if you don’t have patience. You need to learn and practice. Easy does it!
• I’ll give you some advice on how to succeed. Don’t try to do everything at once. Take your time. Easy does it!

6. Cup Of Tea

Definition and Meaning: Cup Of Tea

The expression “cup of tea” is a metaphor for something that is enjoyable or relaxing.

Cup Of Tea Example Sentences:

• Snorkeling and island hopping are two activities I enjoy doing in the Caribbean. Those are my cup of tea.
• Her cup of tea is visiting museums. She loves art.
• She doesn’t like hiking. It’s too strenuous for her. But she does love reading. That’s her cup of tea.
• Talking about politics is not his cup of tea. He prefers sports.
• As a teacher, her cup of tea is helping students learn and grow.

7. Hits The Spot

Definition and Meaning: Hits The Spot

This expression means that something is exactly what is needed.

Hits The Spot Example Sentences:

• After a long day of work, a cold beer hits the spot.
• I was craving Mexican food, and these tacos hit the spot.
• The book is great. It hits the spot on my love for fantasies.
• The restaurant’s crème brûlée is not to be missed! It hits the spot when you want something sweet.
• Her mother’s cooking always hits the spot.

8. Under The Weather

Definition and Meaning: Under The Weather

The expression “under the weather” is used to describe someone who is not feeling well.

Under The Weather Example Sentences:

• I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I’m going to take it easy.
• My friend has been under the weather since she caught the flu last week.
• I’m sorry I’m not up for going out tonight, I’m still under the weather.
• My mom has been under the weather since she had surgery last month.
• I’m afraid I won’t be able to make it to the party, I’m still feeling a bit under the weather.

9. Raining Cats And Dogs

Definition and Meaning: Raining Cats And Dogs

The expression “raining cats and dogs” is used to describe heavy rain.

Raining Cats And Dogs Example Sentences:

• If I had listened to the weather forecast last night, I would have known it would rain cats and dogs today and stay home.
• It rained cats and dogs today. Thankfully, I brought my umbrella with me.
• It’s hard to commute when it rains cats and dogs. Some roads are flooded or even impassable.
• We were having a picnic when it suddenly started raining cats and dogs. We had no choice but to leave immediately.
• Let’s reschedule our trip to the beach because it will rain cats and dogs tomorrow.

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