Idioms for IELTS Reading: Most Common Idioms, Sample Questions and Useful Tips 

Common Idioms for IELTS Reading: Idioms and phrasal verbs play an important part in IELTS Reading. Individuals who are skilled at employing idioms or have a diverse understanding or repertoire of idioms are more likely to excel at IELTS Reading. This is because ‘idioms’ and ‘phrasal verbs’ account for the majority of weightage in the IELTS Reading. As a result, one must be well-versed in the subject, which is both scoring and easy to understand. Let’s have a look at some of the most common idioms that will help you ace your IELTS Reading test. 

10+ Most Common Idioms for IELTS Reading

Most Common Idioms for IELTS Reading: Idioms play a crucial role in bolstering your chances of securing better scores in IELTS Reading. For students aiming for the elusive Band 9 score, expanding their knowledge of idioms and phrases is essential. A strong grasp of diverse idioms and their accurate usage equips test-takers to navigate the nuances of the reading passages effectively.

Therefore, it’s highly beneficial for students to actively broaden their repertoire of idioms. By familiarizing themselves with a variety of common idioms and their precise meanings, they gain valuable tools for unlocking deeper understanding and crafting insightful answers. Here is a curated list of some of the most common idioms for IELTS Reading. 

Idiom	Meaning	Example
Out of the blue	The unexpected occurrence of something.	His idea, which came out of the blue, surprised the clients in the meeting.
In the red	To owe money, to not have money	He is unable to pay his debts because he is currently in the red.
Give someone the green light	To give permission	She was given the green light to work on her assignment.
A white lie	To tell a lie that is not very serious	Once in a while, it is fine to tell a white lie.
Day and night	Continually working without stopping	He prepared day and night for the upcoming tournament.
Drop out	To leave without finishing	He dropped out of college to pursue his dream of becoming a musician.
Learn by heart	To memorise	I have learned all the chemical formulas by heart.
Brought up	Raised/developed	Clark was brought up in the barns of Kansas.
Child’s play	Very easy to do	Solving convoluted mathematical equations was child’s play for him.
Break a leg	To wish someone good luck	I hope you ace the interview, break a leg!
Driving me up the wall	Something that annoys you	People’s tendency to lie through their teeth drives me up the wall.

Common Idioms for IELTS Reading: Sample Questions

Refer below to go through the IELTS Reading Sample Questions. These questions are based on your understanding of idioms and phrases. They are designed to assess your overall proficiency in English Reading. Have a look. 

Question  1:
Look at the sentences below. Which three idioms have the same meaning? Which idiom has the opposite meaning to these three?

1. Everyone around the table remained silent and I tried to think of a way of breaking the ice.
2. It’s strange that her two ex-husbands get on like a house on fire!
3. Oh yes, we go back a long way – we went to nursery school together.
4. I’m afraid we got off on the wrong foot because I got her name wrong.
5. They are definitely on the same wavelength – both passionate about green politics.
6. We didn’t really hit it off– we just aren’t interested in the same things.

Answer: B, E, F

Question 2:  Replace the highlighted words with idioms from this unit in the correct form.

Q. “We get on well, but we have different views on politics. As soon as we start talking about politics, we have an argument – so we tend to avoid the subject.”

Answer: Here, the idiom Sparks fly will be applicable. It means to argue or get angry. 

Q. “Don’t worry – I promised I would help you, and I won’t abandon you.”

Answer: Here, the idiom Leave in the lurch is applicable. This statement states that I won’t leave/ abandon you.

Tips for Using Idioms in IELTS Reading

While well-chosen idioms can add colour and nuance to your IELTS Reading test, they’re not to be used in excess. You may use them sparingly and strategically. Here’s how to showcase your understanding of idiomatic language without sounding forced or unnatural:

•  Overusing idioms can disrupt the flow of your answers and make them seem incoherent and disjointed. Choose them carefully and use them when they truly add impact.
• Inculcating a habit of daily reading, albeit novels, newspapers, or magazines, is a great way of enhancing your vocabulary and rectifying your grammar skills. Other than that, reading can give you an idea of how to correctly come with up coherent sentence structures. 
• While showcasing your grasp of irregular verbs can be tempting, prioritize correct conjugations for a polished answer. 
• Read the paragraphs properly and use idioms that are appropriate and relevant to the question. You can be a little creative whilst using idioms.
• Avoid using random idioms to sound fancy. Ensure they fit seamlessly into the answer and enhance your point. Misused idioms are like sore thumbs, they stick out awkwardly and create a negative impression.
• Avoid using informal expressions in the test. Aim for expressions that are appropriate for a formal setting and demonstrate your versatility with language.

So that was all about Idioms for IELTS Reading. Hope the blog has answered your queries regarding the topic. 

Related Blogs
IELTS Syllabus 2023 & Section-Wise Exam Pattern	IELTS Marking Scheme | IELTS Scoring System & Grading	IELTS Sample Tests: PDF (Download), Exam Pattern
IELTS Preparation Tips: General Tips and Section Wise …	IELTS Exam 2023 Dates, Registration, Result, Preparation	IELTS Eligibility: IELTS Exam Age Limit & Qualification

FAQs

Build a plan with Leverage Edu‘s Leverage Live classes and our top trainers and strengthen your English score as well as your application so that you can secure your spot in your dream college. Reach out to Leverage Edu on 1800572000 and schedule a free session today.