In the IELTS speaking test idioms can really help boost your IELTS speaking score, if you can use them properly.
Let’s take a look at the below picture showing a part of band descriptors for speaking.
The 3 bands of above are 7, 8 and 9. As you can see, using idioms, even with some inappropriate choices, is typical of a band 7 candidate. By using them skillfully, with only occasional inaccuracies you are likely to get an 8 in this category. Rarely students use them perfectly and this is typical of someone who reaches a 9.
So let’s examine the meanings and usage of 10 popular idioms to hike up your IELTS score and expand your grasp of the English language.
Make a beeline for
Meaning
Go rapidly and directly towards.
Origin
The bee was supposed to fly in a such a way when returning to its hive.
In a sentence
The hungry tourists made a beeline for the buffet that featured delicious food from all over the world.
Jump (or climb) on the bandwagon
Meaning
Join others in doing or supporting something fashionable or likely to be successful.
Origin
Bandwagon was originally the US term for a large wagon able to carry a band in a procession.
In a sentence
When your TV show does extremely well, advertisers will be competing to be the first to jump on the bandwagon.
Off (or way off) beam
Meaning
On the wrong track; mistaken.
Origin
Originally, referring to the radio beam or signal used to guide aircraft. The opposite is on the beam.
In a sentence
I lost the bet as my prediction was way off beam.
At someone’s beck and call
Meaning
Always having to be ready to obey someone’s orders immediately.
Origin
Beck in the sense of “significant gesture of command” comes from the verb beck, which is shortened form of beckon and is now found mainly in this phrase.
In a sentence
She is going to be confined to a wheelchair for the next three weeks but she’s not complaining as she will have a nurse at her beck and call.
Pass (or hand) (on) the baton
Meaning
Hand over a particular duty or responsibility.
Origin
A metaphor from athletics: the baton is the short stick or rod passed from one runner to the next in a relay race. Thus, to take up (or pick up) the baton is to accept a duty or responsibility.
In a sentence
Susan has passed the baton after 40 years at the helm of the biggest technology company in the region.
Work like a beaver
Meaning
Work steadily and industriously.
Origin
The beaver is proverbial for the industriousness with which it constructs the dams necessary for its aquatic dwellings.
In a sentence
She worked like a beaver to empty the house as the new tenant will be moving in tomorrow.
Bed of nails
Meaning
A problematic or uncomfortable situation.
Origin
Originally a board with nails pointing out of it, as used by Eastern fakirs and ascetics.
In a sentence
My parents are very judgemental and living with them can be a bed of nails.
Beat a (hasty) retreat
Meaning
Withdraw, typically to avoid something unpleasant.
Origin
Formerly in a military context, a drumbeat could be used to keep soldiers in step while retreating.
In a sentence
David beat a retreat when he saw his ex-girlfriend walk into the wedding party with another man.
Beggar on horseback
Meaning
A formerly poor person made arrogant or corrupt through achieving wealth and luxury.
Origin
The proverbial saying set a beggar on horseback and he’ll ride to the devil.
In a sentence
It’s not surprising that he lost everything and is being investigated by the authorities as he was a beggar on a horseback.
A whole new ball game
Meaning
A completely new set of circumstances.
Origin
Ball game in North America refers to a game of baseball.
In a sentence
After Sarah joined the Marketing team as General Manager, it was a whole new ball game.
Source: Oxford Dictionary of Idioms
