Mastering Idioms: Elevate Your IELTS Speaking Score

Mastering Idioms: Elevate Your IELTS Speaking Score

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The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. While grammatical accuracy and a wide vocabulary are crucial, incorporating idioms can significantly enhance your fluency and naturalness.

As you prepare for the IELTS Speaking test, you’re probably focusing on grammar accuracy, vocabulary range, and clear pronunciation. But there’s one often-overlooked tool that can set your speech apart—idioms. Idioms are fixed expressions with meanings that aren’t always obvious from the individual words, and when used correctly, they can show the examiner that you have a natural and fluent command of English.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essentials of using idioms effectively in the IELTS Speaking section. We’ll cover what idioms are, how they work, and—most importantly—how to use them appropriately to strengthen your responses.

This article is ideal if you’re aiming for a Band 7 or higher, but it’s also valuable for any English learner who wants to speak more naturally and confidently. You’ll learn idioms related to common IELTS topics such as feelings, opinions, challenges, and surprises, along with practical examples and exercises to reinforce your understanding.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to impress your examiner with idiomatic expressions that are both relevant and well-placed in your answers. Let’s dive in and take your speaking skills to the next level!

Table of Contents

What are Idioms?

An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal meanings of the individual words it contains. In simpler terms, it’s a group of words that has a figurative meaning, different from the actual meaning of the words themselves.

Idioms add color and depth to the English language, making conversations more engaging and expressive. They reflect the cultural nuances and historical context of the language.

Idioms are classified based on their structure and function. Some idioms are metaphors, using figurative language to create comparisons.

Others are similes, explicitly comparing two things using “like” or “as.” Proverbial idioms offer wisdom or advice, while binomial idioms consist of two words joined by a conjunction. The function of an idiom is to convey a specific meaning or emotion in a concise and memorable way.

They are used in various contexts, from casual conversations to formal speeches, enriching the communication process.

Structural Breakdown of Idioms

Idioms don’t follow regular grammatical rules. Their structure is fixed, and changing the words or their order can alter or destroy the idiom’s meaning.

For example, the idiom “kick the bucket” means to die. Changing it to “kick a bucket” or “bucket the kick” completely changes the meaning.

The structural elements of an idiom often include a verb and a noun, but they can also consist of adjectives, adverbs, and prepositions. The arrangement of these elements is crucial for maintaining the idiom’s intended meaning.

Understanding the structural breakdown of idioms helps learners recognize and use them correctly. Many idioms originate from historical events, literature, or folklore, adding to their complexity and richness.

Types of Idioms

Idioms come in various forms, each with its unique characteristics. Recognizing these types can help you understand and use idioms more effectively.

Simile Idioms

Simile idioms use “like” or “as” to compare two things, creating a vivid image. They highlight similarities between seemingly unrelated concepts.

For example, “as cool as a cucumber” means calm and composed, even in stressful situations. Simile idioms add descriptive power to your language.

Metaphor Idioms

Metaphor idioms imply a comparison without using “like” or “as.” They create a figurative meaning by suggesting that one thing is something else.

For instance, “a piece of cake” means something is easy. Metaphor idioms are more subtle than simile idioms, requiring a deeper understanding of figurative language.

Proverbial Idioms

Proverbial idioms are short sayings that offer advice or express a general truth. They often reflect cultural values and beliefs.

An example is “Actions speak louder than words,” which means that what people do is more important than what they say. Proverbial idioms add wisdom and authority to your speech.

Binomial Idioms

Binomial idioms consist of two words joined by a conjunction, usually “and.” The order of the words is typically fixed and cannot be changed.

For example, “ups and downs” refers to good and bad experiences. Binomial idioms are often used to describe common situations and experiences.

Examples of Idioms for IELTS Speaking

Here are some useful idioms for the IELTS Speaking test, categorized by topic. Each table includes examples and their meanings to help you understand how to use them effectively.

Idioms for Agreement

The following table provides idioms you can use to express agreement in the IELTS speaking test. These idioms demonstrate your ability to engage in conversation naturally and express your opinions clearly.

Idiom Meaning Example
See eye to eye To agree completely “I see eye to eye with you on that issue.”
Be on the same page To have a shared understanding “We need to be on the same page before we proceed.”
Sing from the same hymn sheet To share the same opinions or beliefs “The team needs to sing from the same hymn sheet to succeed.”
Couldn’t agree more To express strong agreement “I couldn’t agree more with your suggestion.”
That’s exactly what I think Expressing full agreement with a statement “That’s exactly what I think about the new policy.”
You’ve hit the nail on the head To describe something perfectly “You’ve hit the nail on the head with that analysis.”
Right on An expression of strong agreement or approval “Right on! That’s a great idea.”
Tell me about it Expressing empathy and agreement based on shared experience “Tell me about it; I’ve been through the same thing.”
Word for word Agreeing entirely with what has been said “I agree with you word for word on this matter.”
My thoughts exactly Expressing complete agreement “My thoughts exactly; we should definitely consider that.”
Spot on Perfectly accurate or correct “Your assessment of the situation is spot on.”
Totally with you Expressing full agreement and support “I’m totally with you on this proposal.”
Absolutely Expressing strong agreement “Absolutely, I agree with your point of view.”
Precisely Used to emphasize that something is exactly right or accurate “Precisely, that’s the key to solving this problem.”
You took the words right out of my mouth Expressing that you were about to say the same thing “You took the words right out of my mouth; I was going to say that.”
On the same wavelength Thinking in a similar way “We’re on the same wavelength when it comes to project goals.”
Of one mind Having the same opinion “We’re of one mind about the importance of education.”
Same here Expressing agreement with a previous statement “Same here, I feel the same way.”
I second that Formally agreeing with a proposal or statement “I second that motion; let’s proceed as planned.”
Amen to that Expressing strong agreement or approval “Amen to that; we need to make these changes.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself Expressing that someone has articulated your thoughts perfectly “You’re right, I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
That’s so true Expressing agreement with a statement that seems obviously correct “That’s so true; we often overlook the small details.”
I concur Formally expressing agreement “I concur with the findings presented in the report.”
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Idioms for Disagreement

The following table provides idioms you can use to express disagreement in the IELTS speaking test. These idioms demonstrate your ability to engage in conversation naturally and express your opinions clearly.

Idiom Meaning Example
Not see eye to eye To disagree “We don’t see eye to eye on politics.”
At odds with In conflict or disagreement with “His views are at odds with mine.”
Beg to differ To disagree politely “I beg to differ with your assessment.”
Have a bone to pick To have a grievance or complaint to discuss “I have a bone to pick with you about the project.”
Stick to your guns To maintain your opinion despite opposition “She stuck to her guns during the debate.”
Stand your ground To defend your position “You need to stand your ground in negotiations.”
Two different worlds Having completely different perspectives or experiences “We come from two different worlds, so it’s hard to agree.”
Draw the line To set a limit on what you will accept “I draw the line at compromising my values.”
Take issue with To disagree with something and challenge it “I take issue with the assumptions in your argument.”
At loggerheads In a state of strong disagreement “The two countries are at loggerheads over trade.”
Worlds apart Very different in terms of opinions or lifestyles “Our opinions on this issue are worlds apart.”
Not on the same wavelength Not thinking in a similar way “We’re not on the same wavelength about the company’s future.”
Disagree to agree Accepting that you have different opinions but can still work together “We can disagree to agree and move forward.”
Have a difference of opinion To have a different point of view “We have a difference of opinion on how to handle this.”
Against the grain Contrary to what is normal or expected “This decision goes against the grain of our company culture.”
On different pages Not having a shared understanding or agreement “We seem to be on different pages about the project requirements.”
A point of contention An issue that causes disagreement “The budget is a major point of contention between us.”
At variance In disagreement or conflict “The report’s findings are at variance with our own research.”
Debatable Open to argument or discussion “Whether this is the best approach is debatable.”
A bone of contention A subject of disagreement or dispute “The new policy has become a bone of contention among employees.”
Not buying it Not believing something is true or valid “I’m not buying their explanation for the delay.”
Take exception to To object strongly to something “I take exception to your remarks about my work ethic.”
Hard to swallow Difficult to accept or believe “The news of the company’s bankruptcy was hard to swallow.”

Idioms for Happiness

The following table provides idioms you can use to express happiness in the IELTS speaking test. These idioms demonstrate your ability to engage in conversation naturally and express your emotions clearly.

Idiom Meaning Example
On cloud nine Extremely happy “I was on cloud nine after passing the exam.”
Over the moon Extremely pleased “She was over the moon when she got the job.”
Happy as a clam Very happy and content “He’s as happy as a clam since he retired.”
In seventh heaven Extremely happy “They were in seventh heaven after their wedding.”
Walking on air Feeling very happy and elated “She’s been walking on air since she met him.”
Grinning from ear to ear Smiling widely “He was grinning from ear to ear when he received the award.”
Full of the joys of spring Very happy and energetic “She’s full of the joys of spring today.”
Tickled pink Very pleased and amused “She was tickled pink by the compliment.”
A ray of sunshine Someone who brings happiness to others “She’s a ray of sunshine in our office.”
Life of the party Someone who is lively and fun at social events “He’s always the life of the party.”
Laughing all the way to the bank Making a lot of money easily “He’s laughing all the way to the bank with his successful business.”
Having a whale of a time Enjoying yourself very much “We had a whale of a time on our vacation.”
Living the dream Living a life that you have always wanted “He’s living the dream, traveling the world and writing about it.”
On top of the world Feeling extremely happy and successful “She felt on top of the world after finishing her degree.”
Like a dog with two tails Extremely happy and excited “He was like a dog with two tails when he got the new bike.”
In good spirits Cheerful and happy “She’s been in good spirits since she recovered from her illness.”
Feeling chipper Cheerful and lively “I’m feeling chipper after a good night’s sleep.”
As pleased as Punch Very pleased and satisfied “He was as pleased as Punch with his team’s performance.”
In high spirits Very happy and enthusiastic “The team was in high spirits after the victory.”
A happy camper A person who is content and satisfied “She’s a happy camper in her new job.”
Head over heels Deeply in love “They are head over heels for each other.”
A bundle of joy A source of great happiness “The new baby is a bundle of joy for the family.”
Singing someone’s praises Expressing admiration and happiness about someone “Everyone is singing her praises for her excellent work.”

Idioms for Sadness

The following table provides idioms you can use to express sadness in the IELTS speaking test. These idioms demonstrate your ability to engage in conversation naturally and express your emotions clearly.

Idiom Meaning Example
Feeling blue Feeling sad “I’ve been feeling blue since she left.”
Down in the dumps Feeling sad and without energy “He’s been down in the dumps since he lost his job.”
Have a long face To look sad “She had a long face after the argument.”
Down in the mouth Looking depressed “He’s been down in the mouth all week.”
A heavy heart Feeling sad and burdened “I left with a heavy heart.”
At the end of one’s rope Feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope “I’m at the end of my rope dealing with these problems.”
Bury your head in the sand To ignore a problem or unpleasant situation “He’s burying his head in the sand about his financial issues.”
Cry your eyes out To cry a lot “She cried her eyes out after watching the movie.”
A storm cloud hanging over A feeling of impending doom or sadness “There’s a storm cloud hanging over the company.”
In the doldrums In a state of sadness or inactivity “The economy is in the doldrums.”
Out of sorts Not feeling well or happy “I’ve been feeling out of sorts all day.”
Singing the blues Expressing sadness or unhappiness “He’s been singing the blues since his girlfriend left.”
On the verge of tears About to cry “She was on the verge of tears when she heard the news.”
Lose heart To become discouraged “Don’t lose heart; keep trying.”
A lump in your throat A feeling of sadness that makes it difficult to speak “I had a lump in my throat when I said goodbye.”
A shadow of your former self Not as happy or healthy as you used to be “He’s a shadow of his former self since his illness.”
On a downer Feeling depressed or pessimistic “I’ve been on a downer all week.”
Down in the mouth Looking sad and depressed “He’s been down in the mouth since he failed the exam.”
Feel like a fish out of water Feeling uncomfortable or out of place “I felt like a fish out of water at the party.”
Get something off your chest To talk about something that is bothering you “I need to get something off my chest.”
A broken heart Feeling extreme sadness due to the end of a romantic relationship “She has a broken heart after the breakup.”
Inconsolable Unable to be comforted “He was inconsolable after the loss of his pet.”
A sad state of affairs A situation that is regrettable or unfortunate “It’s a sad state of affairs that so many people are unemployed.”
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Idioms for Difficulty

The following table provides idioms you can use to express difficulty in the IELTS speaking test. These idioms demonstrate your ability to engage in conversation naturally and express your opinions clearly.

Idiom Meaning Example
A hard nut to crack A difficult problem or person to deal with “This problem is a hard nut to crack.”
Up against a brick wall Facing an insurmountable obstacle “I feel like I’m up against a brick wall trying to get this done.”
A steep learning curve A situation where you have to learn a lot quickly “The new job has a steep learning curve.”
An uphill battle A difficult struggle “It’s been an uphill battle to get the project approved.”
Swimming against the tide Going against the majority or popular opinion “He’s swimming against the tide with his controversial views.”
Between a rock and a hard place Faced with two equally difficult choices “I’m between a rock and a hard place; I don’t know what to do.”
In deep water In serious trouble “He’s in deep water with his financial problems.”
A tough row to hoe A difficult task to perform “He has a tough row to hoe to get the company back on track.”
A Herculean task A task requiring immense strength or effort “Cleaning up the city after the disaster was a Herculean task.”
A Sisyphean task A task that can never be completed “Trying to solve this problem feels like a Sisyphean task.”
Burning the candle at both ends Working too hard and exhausting yourself “He’s been burning the candle at both ends to meet the deadline.”
Biting off more than you can chew Taking on more than you can handle “He bit off more than he could chew when he took on three projects at once.”
Running around like a headless chicken Running around in a panic without achieving anything “I’ve been running around like a headless chicken trying to organize this event.”
At wit’s end Not knowing what to do next “I’m at my wit’s end trying to solve this problem.”
A pain in the neck Someone or something that is annoying “Dealing with this issue is a pain in the neck.”
A thorn in your side A constant source of annoyance or trouble “The ongoing dispute has been a thorn in his side for years.”
Hard to come by Difficult to find or obtain “Good employees are hard to come by these days.”
A tall order A difficult task to fulfill “Getting this project done by the end of the month is a tall order.”
A struggle A difficult effort or attempt “It’s been a struggle to learn the new software.”
Like pulling teeth Very difficult to get someone to do something “Getting him to agree was like pulling teeth.”
Through thick and thin Experiencing both good and bad times “We’ve been through thick and thin together.”
A tough act to follow Difficult to match or surpass “His performance was a tough act to follow.”
Against all odds Despite many difficulties “He succeeded against all odds.”

Idioms for Ease

The following table provides idioms you can use to express ease or simplicity in the IELTS speaking test. These idioms demonstrate your ability to engage in conversation naturally and express your opinions clearly.

Idiom Meaning Example
A piece of cake Very easy “The exam was a piece of cake.”
Easy as pie Very easy “Learning to ride a bike is easy as pie.”
A walk in the park Very easy “The project was a walk in the park.”
Smooth sailing Easy and without problems “The trip was smooth sailing.”
Plain sailing Easy and straightforward “Once we got started, it was plain sailing.”
A cinch Very easy “Getting tickets was a cinch.”
Like taking candy from a baby Very easy to do “Beating him at chess is like taking candy from a baby.”
Falling off a log Very easy to do “Changing the lightbulb was like falling off a log.”
A breeze Very easy “The test was a breeze.”
No sweat No problem; easy “Can you help me move this? No sweat!”
A snap Very easy “Fixing the computer was a snap.”
Simple as ABC Very simple “The instructions were simple as ABC.”
A pushover Easy to influence or defeat “He’s a pushover; you can easily convince him.”
Go like clockwork Run smoothly and easily “The event went like clockwork.”
On autopilot Doing something without thinking because it’s so easy “I can do this job on autopilot.”
A piece of old tackle Very easy “The task was a piece of old tackle.”
Child’s play Very easy “Solving this puzzle is child’s play.”
A cakewalk Very easy “The interview was a cakewalk.”
A duck soup Very easy “Getting the loan approved was a duck soup.”
Clear sailing Easy and without obstacles “After the initial difficulties, it was clear sailing.”
A walkover An easy victory “The game was a walkover for our team.”
A lead-pipe cinch A certainty; very easy “Winning the election is a lead-pipe cinch for him.”
As easy as one, two, three Very easy “Following the recipe is as easy as one, two, three.”

Idioms for Surprise

The following table provides idioms you can use to express surprise in the IELTS speaking test. These idioms demonstrate your ability to engage in conversation naturally and express your emotions clearly.

Idiom Meaning Example
Knock me over with a feather To be extremely surprised “You could have knocked me over with a feather when I heard the news.”
Blow me away To be greatly impressed or surprised “The performance blew me away.”
Take aback To surprise or shock someone “I was taken aback by his rude behavior.”
Out of the blue Unexpectedly “The offer came out of the blue.”
A bolt from the blue A sudden and unexpected event “The resignation was a bolt from the blue.”
Stop the presses Used to announce an important and surprising piece of news “Stop the presses! They’re getting married.”
My jaw dropped To be extremely surprised “My jaw dropped when I saw the price.”
Couldn’t believe my ears To be very surprised by what someone said “I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard the announcement.”
In disbelief Unable to believe something because it is so surprising “We stared in disbelief at the scene.”
Floored To be greatly surprised or overwhelmed “I was floored by the generosity of the donation.”
Never in my wildest dreams Used to emphasize that something is very surprising “Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this would happen.”
Well, I never! An expression of surprise or shock “Well, I never! I didn’t expect that.”
Stunned silence A silence caused by shock or surprise “There was a stunned silence after the announcement.”
Lost for words Unable to speak because of surprise or shock “I was lost for words when I heard the news.”
Like a deer in headlights Frozen with shock or surprise “He stood there like a deer in headlights when he was asked the question.”
Eyes popped out of my head To be extremely surprised “My eyes popped out of my head when I saw her new car.”
Caught off guard Surprised and unprepared “I was caught off guard by the question.”
Took my breath away To be extremely surprised or impressed “The view took my breath away.”
A complete surprise Totally unexpected “The party was a complete surprise.”
Come as a surprise Happen unexpectedly “The news came as a surprise.”
Hit me like a ton of bricks To overwhelm someone with sudden shock or sadness “The news of his death hit me like a ton of bricks.”
An eye-opener A surprising revelation “Visiting the factory was an eye-opener for me.”
Hear a pin drop Used to describe a silence so complete that even the quietest sound would be noticeable, often due to surprise or anticipation “You could hear a pin drop when the verdict was announced.”
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Usage Rules for Idioms

Using idioms correctly can significantly enhance your speaking skills, but it’s essential to follow certain rules to avoid misusing them. Here are some key guidelines:

  • Context is Key: Always consider the context of the conversation. Idioms are often informal and may not be appropriate in formal settings.
  • Know the Meaning: Ensure you fully understand the meaning of the idiom before using it. Misusing an idiom can lead to confusion or miscommunication.
  • Natural Integration: Incorporate idioms naturally into your speech. Avoid forcing them into sentences where they don’t fit.
  • Audience Awareness: Be mindful of your audience. If you’re speaking to someone who may not be familiar with English idioms, it’s best to avoid using them.
  • Avoid Overuse: Using too many idioms can make your speech sound unnatural and forced. Use them sparingly to add color to your language without overwhelming your listener.
  • Grammatical Structure: Make sure to use the correct grammatical structure with idioms. Some idioms require specific verb tenses or prepositions.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of cultural differences. Some idioms may not translate well or may be offensive in certain cultures.

Correct: “I was over the moon when I got the job offer.”

Incorrect: “I was over the moon when I ate the sandwich.” (The idiom doesn’t fit the context.)

Common Mistakes When Using Idioms

Even advanced English learners make mistakes when using idioms. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

  • Literal Interpretation: Taking idioms literally instead of understanding their figurative meaning.
  • Incorrect Word Order: Changing the word order of an idiom, which can alter its meaning.
  • Using the Wrong Idiom: Selecting an idiom that doesn’t fit the context of the conversation.
  • Overusing Idioms: Trying to incorporate too many idioms into your speech, making it sound unnatural.
  • Misunderstanding Connotations: Not being aware of the emotional or cultural associations of an idiom.
  • Incorrect Tense: Using the wrong verb tense within the idiom.
  • Adding or Omitting Words: Altering the fixed structure of the idiom by adding or omitting words.

Mistake: “He kicked a bucket.” (Literal interpretation)

Correct: “He kicked the bucket.” (He died.)

Practice Exercises

To reinforce your understanding of idioms, try these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate idiom from the list provided.

Instructions: Choose the correct idiom from the list to complete each sentence.

Idiom List: (a piece of cake, feeling blue, break a leg, see eye to eye, hit the nail on the head)

  1. The exam was ____; I finished it in half the time.
  2. I’m ____ today because it’s raining and I miss my friends.
  3. I ____ with you on the importance of education.
  4. ____! I hope you do well in your presentation.
  5. You ____ when you said that communication is key to a successful relationship.

Answers:

  1. The exam was a piece of cake; I finished it in half the time.
  2. I’m feeling blue today because it’s raining and I miss my friends.
  3. I see eye to eye with you on the importance of education.
  4. Break a leg! I hope you do well in your presentation.
  5. You hit the nail on the head when you said that communication is key to a successful relationship.

Instructions: Match the idiom with its correct meaning.

  1. Once in a blue moon
  2. Bite the bullet
  3. Add fuel to the fire
  4. Best of both worlds
  5. Call it a day

Meanings:

  1. To make a bad situation worse
  2. To accept something unpleasant
  3. To stop working on something
  4. Very rarely
  5. The advantages of two different situations

Answers:

  1. Once in a blue moon – Very rarely
  2. Bite the bullet – To accept something unpleasant
  3. Add fuel to the fire – To make a bad situation worse
  4. Best of both worlds – The advantages of two different situations
  5. Call it a day – To stop working on something

Advanced Topics: Nuances of Idiomatic Language

To truly master the use of idioms, it’s essential to understand their nuances and subtleties. Idiomatic language often carries cultural and historical baggage, which can influence its interpretation and usage.

  • Regional Variations: Be aware that idioms can vary by region. An idiom common in one English-speaking country may be unfamiliar or have a different meaning in another.
  • Historical Context: Many idioms have historical origins that add depth to their meaning. Understanding this context can enhance your appreciation of the language.
  • Connotative Meanings: Idioms often carry connotative meanings beyond their literal definitions. These connotations can influence the emotional impact of your speech.
  • Evolving Language: Language is constantly evolving, and new idioms emerge over time. Staying up-to-date with current trends can keep your language fresh and relevant.
  • Subtleties of Tone: The same idiom can convey different tones depending on the context and delivery. Be mindful of your tone when using idioms to ensure you’re communicating effectively.

Note: Paying attention to these advanced topics will not only improve your IELTS score but also deepen your understanding and appreciation of the English language.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many idioms should I use in the IELTS Speaking test?

A: There’s no magic number. Focus on using idioms appropriately and naturally.

Quality is more important than quantity.

Q: Is it okay to use idioms I’m not completely sure about?

A: It’s best to avoid using idioms unless you’re confident in their meaning and usage. Misusing an idiom can negatively impact your score.

Q: Can I use idioms in the IELTS Writing test?

A: While idioms can add flair to your writing, they are generally more appropriate for the Speaking test. Use them sparingly and only in informal writing tasks.

Q: How can I learn more idioms?

A: Read widely, listen to native English speakers, and use online resources and idiom dictionaries to expand your vocabulary.

Q: Are there any idioms I should avoid in the IELTS Speaking test?

A: Avoid using idioms that are offensive, overly informal, or culturally insensitive. Stick to common, well-understood idioms.

Conclusion

Mastering idioms is a valuable asset for the IELTS Speaking test. By understanding their meanings, usage rules, and common pitfalls, you can enhance your fluency, naturalness, and overall communication skills.

Remember to use idioms appropriately and sparingly, focusing on quality over quantity. With practice and dedication, you can unlock the power of idioms and achieve a higher score in your IELTS Speaking test.

Good luck!