How do I use idioms in IELTS Writing & Speaking tasks? #EnglishHelp

Ever wondered how just a few words can mean something very different from what they seem to mean?

Idioms do exactly that — they’re compact, vivid phrases that add personality and precision to speech.

They can also boost your IELTS Speaking and Writing scores. A few well-chosen idioms show your vocabulary range and make responses more memorable.

In everyday conversation, experimenting with idioms is typically low risk and often leads to shared laughter — mix up "scapegoat" with "escape goat" and people will usually correct you kindly. 😊

On the IELTS test, however, it’s better to be sure. Idioms used inaccurately, out of context, or too often may blur your message and cost you marks.

Imagine this response in the IELTS Speaking test:

"Can you describe a time when you helped someone?"

Yes. I helped my friend move house once. At the time, I was snowed under with work, but they called me out of the blue asking for help. I went the extra mile, lugging boxes left, right, and centre and pulled out all the stops to make the move as smooth as possible for my friend. They were over the moon with my effort and said that I’d made the move a piece of cake.

While using multiple idioms in just a few lines might sound impressive, does it actually help your score? 🤔

Too Much of a Good Thing

It's tempting to fill your answer with idioms to demonstrate your language skills, but overusing them in the exam may make your message unclear. Instead of connecting with your story, the examiner might be too focused on decoding your idiomatic expressions.

Even though the response above paints a vivid picture of a dedicated friend, the idioms compete with the story rather than support it.

Using Idioms with Purpose

Think of idioms like salt — a little can enhance your message, but too much can overwhelm it. A few well-chosen phrases go a long way.

Before using idioms on the IELTS exam, think about who you're talking to.

Ask yourself:

• Is the tone formal or informal?

• Will the examiner understand the idiom in context?

Take a moment to assess the task and audience. This keeps your message clear and suited to the situation.

This kind of language awareness is called register. It's the ability to adjust your tone and vocabulary to match the context.

For example, you might say “I was gutted” to a friend or someone you know really well, but with someone less familiar, “I was disappointed” might be a better option.

That’s what register is about: choosing words that work for you, while showing you understand the tone and expectations of the situation.

It’s a subtle skill that can make a big difference — especially in the IELTS exam!

Idioms aren’t just for flair. They can serve a real purpose in your response. To use them effectively in IELTS Speaking and Writing, we'll focus on three key areas:

1. Expressing an opinion or feeling

2. Telling a story

3. Framing an argument

Each one connects to a different part of the exam. We’ll explore how to use idioms purposefully in each.

IELTS Tasks Speaking Part 1 & 3

In Speaking Part 1, you'll respond to short, conversational questions about yourself — like describing your favorite kind of music or holiday destination.

In Speaking Part 3, questions go a little bit deeper. The examiner might ask for your opinion on broader topics like education, health, culture, or technology.

Using idioms in this part of the test can help you express your views with clarity and confidence, while demonstrating your ability to engage thoughtfully with complex ideas.

IELTS Idioms Tip! 💡

Make sure idioms fit the context of the question. Follow them up with a brief explanation, as shown in the examples below. This shows the examiner you truly understand the meaning, rather than just using idioms for effect.

IELTS Idioms in Context

• Idiom: "not my cup of tea"

• Meaning: express dislike or disinterest

Example:

Although some pop music is not my cup of tea, as I tend to prefer more acoustic sounds, I did end up listening to Lady Gaga's new album and really enjoyed it!

• Idiom: "on the fence"

• Meaning: show indecision or uncertainty

Example:

I’m on the fence about whether social media is helping people stay connected or making them feel more isolated. It seems to do both depending on how it's used.

Image created by Layla Hanna using Sketchpad

IELTS Task Speaking Part 2

Speaking Part 2 is all about storytelling. Using idioms can help your speech flow smoothly and show emotional depth, which are key criteria for Band 7 and above.

Using idioms purposefully doesn’t just make your story engaging — it shows the kind of fluency and vocabulary range examiners are looking for.

You might be asked to describe a place you’d like to visit, a time you helped someone, or even a personal goal you achieved or a difficult decision you had to make.

No matter your story, this is your chance to show personality, bringing your experiences to life in an engaging and genuine way!

IELTS Idioms in Context

• Idiom: "go the extra mile"

• Meaning: put in extra effort

Example:

My friend went the extra mile to help me revise for my exam by staying up late with me and reviewing every topic until I felt confident.

• Idiom: "a blessing in disguise"

• Meaning: unexpected positive outcome

Example:

I didn’t get accepted into the university course I wanted, which was upsetting at the time, but taking a gap year led me to discover a completely different field that I now love, so in the end, it was a blessing in disguise.

Bonus Idioms

• Idiom: "every cloud has a silver lining"

• Meaning: a negative situation that has a positive side

  Example:

  I was disappointed when I ended up failing my driving test the first time. But it gave me more time to practice and build confidence, so I guess it goes to show that every cloud has a silver lining.

• Idiom: "back to the drawing board"

• Meaning: returning back to the start to rethink a plan

  Example:

  My friend and I had this great idea to start a small business, but we ran out of money and had to go back to the drawing board to rethink our approach.

IELTS Tasks Writing Task 2

Ever noticed how an idiom can sometimes suddenly make a complex idea click?

In Writing Task 2, you’ll need to present your ideas clearly and convincingly — often on big topics like technology, health, education, or the environment.

Some questions will ask you to consider different perspectives before giving your own opinion. Idioms can help introduce, summarize, or emphasize your points, enabling you to express what you mean in an imaginative way.

When used effectively, idiomatic expressions can spark instant understanding. It’s that moment when you feel like the person listening gets exactly what you're describing. That’s how idioms can elevate your message, making your ideas clear in a way that’s both inventive and memorable.

IELTS Idioms in Context

• Idiom: "shed light on"

• Meaning: explains a complicated topic or issue clearly

Example:

This analysis sheds light on some of the significant ways in which the job market has changed.

• Idiom: "a double-edged sword"

• Meaning: highlights one single thing that has both benefits and drawbacks

Example:

I think technology is a double-edged sword because it boosts efficiency but can also reduce job security in some industries.

Bonus Idioms

• Idiom: "the tip of the iceberg"

• Meaning: describes a situation where a small visible part hints at a much larger, hidden problem

Example:

Concerns about pollution and overcrowding in cities may be just the tip of the iceberg, revealing deeper challenges related to sustainability, infrastructure, and urban planning.

• Idiom: "a slippery slope"

• Meaning: describes a situation or action that is likely to lead to worsening outcomes

Example:

Overall, small lifestyle choices may seem harmless, but they can become a slippery slope toward serious health issues if left unchecked.

• Idiom: "a mixed blessing"

• Meaning: describes a situation with both advantages and disadvantages from different aspects of the same thing

Example:

Some people argue that tourism is a mixed blessing, as it supports local economies and fosters cultural exchange, but it can also put pressure on public services and local communities.

You’ve been asked to write a formal response on how technology is changing the way people work and learn. You want to highlight both the benefits and drawbacks of this shift in your written response.

Photo by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash

Sample paragraph:

Technology has reshaped how people work and learn, offering flexibility and wider access to resources. However, this shift is [insert idiom], as it also leads to digital fatigue, reduced face-to-face interaction, and unequal access to tools.

Image created by Layla Hanna using Canva

Idioms can be a great way to communicate when they suit the moment and their meaning is clear.

To help you use them wisely, check whether:

Want to keep practicing?

Check out the official IELTS Sample Test Questions page or the British Council IELTS Practice Tests for free materials and sample questions to help you prepare with confidence.