Less Common Words in IELTS: Words, Idioms, Tips and More

The IELTS test is conducted to check the candidate’s proficiency in the English language. The IELTS Vocabulary often contains words and phrases where candidates have to provide their meanings and uses in sentences. This test requires you to have an understanding of a wide range of words, their meaning and their appropriate use in sentences. You need to improve your vocabulary skills to get a better score on the test.

A lot of times, the IELTS Vocabulary tests your knowledge of words and their synonyms and antonyms. Here, you need to be very cautious while using words with similar meanings, as this might affect the meaning of your responses, resulting in fewer scores on the test. In this article, we are going to tell you about some of the less common words in IELTS.

Uncommon Words in IELTS

To help candidates with an understanding of the less common words for IELTS, here is a table which highlights some of the less common words for IELTS.

IELTS Uncommon Word	Meaning	Example
Accentuate	To emphasise or highlight something to make it more noticeable.	The bright colors of the painting accentuate its beauty in the gallery.
Acclimate	To adapt or adjust to a new environment, climate, or situation.	International students often struggle to acclimate to different educational systems.
Acrimonious	Characterised by bitterness, resentment, or harshness in speech or behaviour.	The acrimonious debate between the two politicians lasted for hours.
Adulation	Excessive praise or admiration, often to an insincere degree.	The celebrity’s constant adulation from the press made her uncomfortable.
Affable	Friendly, approachable, and easy to talk to.	She has an affable personality, which makes her very popular in the workplace.
Alleviate	To make something less severe, often used in the context of pain, stress, or difficulties.	The painkiller helped alleviate her headache.
Ambivalent	Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.	He was ambivalent about moving to a new country because of the challenges and opportunities.
Ameliorate	To improve or make a situation or condition better.	The new policy aims to ameliorate the working conditions in factories.
Anachronistic	Something that is out of its proper time period, often creating a sense of inconsistency.	The use of ancient tools in the modern workshop seemed anachronistic.
Anomaly	Something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected, often used in scientific contexts.	The sudden temperature drop was an anomaly in the usually warm climate.
Antagonistic	Showing opposition or hostility, often in relationships or interactions.	Their antagonistic behavior towards each other hindered teamwork.
Aforementioned	Denoting someone with something which was previously mentioned.	He highlighted the aforementioned points made during the meeting.
Anhedonia	Inability to feel pleasure in normally pleasurable activities.	Anhedonia is the inability to feel pleasure. It’s a common symptom of depression as well as other mental health disorders.
Aphasia	Language disorder caused by damage in a specific area of the brain that controls language expression and comprehension.	In addition to recovering from her physical injuries, Giffords suffered a brain injury that left her with aphasia.
Abate	To reduce in degree or intensity, often used in the context of problems or issues.	The government is taking measures to abate pollution in urban areas.
Abhor	To regard with intense dislike or horror; to detest something deeply.	Many people abhor the use of plastic due to its environmental impact.
Burgeon	To grow or increase rapidly, often in size, number, or intensity. Typically used in contexts where something expands or develops at a fast pace.	The technology sector continued to burgeon, with new startups emerging every month.
Benevolence	The quality of being well-meaning and kind, particularly when it comes to charity or helping those in need. Often linked to acts of goodwill without expecting anything in return.	The community’s benevolence was evident in the way they organized food drives for the homeless.
Blissful	Experiencing great happiness or joy, often in a peaceful, calm way. It refers to a state of contentment and fulfillment.	The couple spent a blissful weekend in the countryside, enjoying the serenity and natural beauty.
Brevity	The quality of being brief and to the point. In communication, it is valued for being direct and saving time while still conveying necessary information.	The brevity of his email meant that he conveyed all the essential information without wasting anyone’s time.
Balk	To hesitate or refuse to do something, especially when faced with a challenge or obstacle. Often implies a sudden, unwilling stop or refusal.	She balked at the idea of traveling alone to a foreign country, fearing she would get lost.
Bane	A source of harm, distress, or ruin. Often used metaphorically to describe something that causes constant problems or is particularly troublesome.	The constant noise from construction work was the bane of my existence during my study sessions.
Bumptious	Self-assertive or arrogant in a way that is annoying or unpleasant. Refers to someone who is overly confident and behaves in a way that is inappropriate or rude.	His bumptious attitude during the meeting alienated many of his colleagues, making it difficult for him to build professional relationships.
Cacophony	A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds, often unpleasant to the ear.	The cacophony of car horns and street vendors made it difficult to concentrate on my work.
Cajole	To persuade someone to do something through flattery or gentle urging.	He tried to cajole his manager into giving him a day off by complimenting her presentation skills.
Candid	Truthful and straightforward, often without being guarded or diplomatic.	Her candid response about the company’s shortcomings was appreciated during the meeting.
Capricious	Subject to sudden, unpredictable changes in mood or behavior.	The capricious weather made it impossible to plan a picnic, as it could rain at any moment.
Castigate	To criticize or reprimand someone severely.	The teacher castigated the student for cheating on the exam, emphasizing the importance of honesty.
Caustic	Able to burn or corrode; critical and biting in tone or manner.	His caustic comments about the project discouraged many of the team members.
Celerity	Swiftness of movement or action; speed.	The celerity with which she completed the task impressed everyone in the office.
Chimerical	Unrealistic, imaginative, or fanciful; often impossible or impossible to achieve.	His chimerical dreams of becoming an astronaut seemed out of reach for most people.
Circumspect	Cautious and unwilling to take risks or make quick decisions.	The lawyer was circumspect about making statements to the press before the trial began.
Clandestine	Done in secret, often for dishonest or illegal purposes.	The group held a clandestine meeting to discuss their plans for the protest.
Coerce	To force or compel someone to do something against their will, often through threats.	The criminal tried to coerce the witness into changing their testimony with threats of harm.
Cogent	Clear, logical, and convincing; forcefully persuasive.	His cogent argument about the environmental impact of deforestation won over the audience.
Complacent	Showing smug satisfaction with one’s achievements or situation, often without awareness of potential dangers or problems.	The team’s complacent attitude after their initial success led to their downfall in the competition.
Concise	Giving much information clearly and in a few words; brief and to the point.	The speaker delivered a concise summary of the project, saving time and maintaining clarity.
Conflagration	A large and destructive fire, often spreading rapidly.	The conflagration destroyed the entire block, leaving families homeless and in need of assistance.
Dearth	A scarcity or lack of something.	There was a dearth of resources in the village, which made it difficult for the residents to survive.
Debilitate	To weaken or make someone or something less strong or effective.	The long illness debilitated her, leaving her too tired to participate in her usual activities.
Defenestration	The act of throwing someone or something out of a window.	The defenestration of the old computers was part of the office’s effort to upgrade its technology.
Defunct	No longer existing or functioning; obsolete.	The company’s defunct software system had to be replaced with more modern technology.
Delineate	To describe or portray something precisely; to mark the boundaries of.	The report clearly delineated the steps needed to improve the company’s financial situation.
Demure	Modest, reserved, or shy, often in a way that is affected or pretended.	Her demure attitude at the party made her stand out among the more outgoing guests.
Denigrate	To criticize or speak about someone or something in a way that shows a lack of respect.	He was quick to denigrate his colleague’s ideas without offering any constructive feedback.
Deprecate	To express disapproval of or belittle something or someone.	She deprecated the decision to cancel the event, saying it would hurt the company’s reputation.
Deride	To mock or ridicule someone or something in a contemptuous manner.	The comedian derided the politician’s speech, making fun of his awkward delivery.
Despot	A ruler or leader who holds absolute power, often in a cruel or oppressive way.	The country lived under a despot whose harsh policies made life difficult for the citizens.
Detrimental	Causing harm or damage.	Smoking is detrimental to your health and should be avoided to prevent long-term damage.
Dichotomy	A division or contrast between two things that are entirely different.	There is a clear dichotomy between urban and rural living, with very different lifestyles in each.
Diffident	Lacking self-confidence; shy or reserved.	He was too diffident to speak up during the meeting, even though he had valuable ideas to contribute.
Dilapidated	In a state of disrepair or ruin, often due to age or neglect.	The dilapidated building was in need of urgent repairs before it could be safely used again.
Disseminate	To spread or distribute information, knowledge, or ideas widely.	The organization worked hard to disseminate important health information to rural communities.
Indolent	Habitually lazy or avoiding work; sluggish.	His indolent attitude towards his studies resulted in poor grades and missed opportunities.
Inevitable	Certain to happen and unavoidable.	The inevitable conclusion of his actions was the loss of his job due to his repeated mistakes.
Infer	To deduce or conclude information from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements.	Based on the evidence, we can infer that the suspect was at the scene of the crime.
Jovial	Cheerful and good-humoured; full of happiness and joy.	The jovial atmosphere at the party made everyone feel welcome and at ease.
Judicious	Showing good judgment, wisdom, or sense in making decisions.	The judicious decision to invest in renewable energy paid off in the long run.
Juxtapose	To place two things side by side, often for comparison or contrast.	The artist juxtaposed light and dark colours to highlight the contrast in the painting.
Jubilant	Feeling or expressing great joy or happiness.	The team’s jubilant celebration after winning the championship was unforgettable.
Jargon	Specialised language or terminology used by a particular group.	The medical jargon used by doctors can be difficult for patients to understand.
Keen	Having or showing eagerness, enthusiasm, or sharp perception.	She was keen to learn more about the project and offered her help immediately.
Knavery	Dishonest or deceitful behaviour.	The politician was accused of knavery after being caught in a bribery scandal.
Kinetic	Related to motion or movement.	The kinetic energy of the car increased as it accelerated down the road.
Kudos	Praise and recognition for an achievement or accomplishment.	He received kudos from his colleagues for his innovative ideas in the project.
Languid	Lacking energy or vitality; weak or faint.	After the long hike in the sun, she felt languid and needed to rest.
Lassitude	A state of physical or mental weariness or fatigue.	The intense heat of the summer left him with a sense of lassitude, making it hard to focus.
Laudable	Deserving praise or admiration.	Her laudable efforts in organizing the charity event raised thousands of dollars for the cause.
Lethargic	Sluggish, slow, or lacking energy.	After the long flight, he felt lethargic and struggled to stay awake during the meeting.
Livid	Extremely angry or furious; pale or discoloured.	He was livid after discovering that his colleague had taken credit for his idea.
Lucid	Clear and easy to understand; expressed in a way that is clear.	The professor’s lucid explanation helped the students understand the complex theory easily.
Malleable	Capable of being shaped or changed; adaptable.	The clay was soft and malleable, making it easy for the artist to sculpt.
Meticulous	Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.	Her meticulous planning ensured that the event ran smoothly from start to finish.
Mediocre	Of average or below-average quality; not very good.	The restaurant’s food was mediocre, lacking the flavour and originality of other places.
Magnanimous	Generous in forgiving; unselfish and charitable.	Despite the criticism, he was magnanimous and congratulated the winning team.
Munificent	Very generous, often with large amounts of money or gifts.	The munificent donation from the philanthropist helped build a new community centre.
Nefarious	Wicked, villainous, or criminal.	The villain in the story had nefarious plans to take over the world using dark magic.
Nascent	In the early stages of development; emerging.	The nascent technology has the potential to revolutionize the energy industry.
Noxious	Harmful or poisonous to living things; dangerous.	The noxious fumes from the factory polluted the surrounding air, affecting nearby residents.
Nebulous	Vague or unclear; difficult to define or describe.	His explanation was nebulous and left the audience confused about the main points.
Oblivious	Unaware or unconscious of what is happening around you.	She was oblivious to the tension in the room, continuing to talk as if everything was normal.
Obscure	Not well known, unclear, or difficult to understand.	The writer used obscure references that made the text difficult for most readers to understand.
Onerous	Involving a lot of effort, difficulty, or responsibility; burdensome.	The task of sorting through the hundreds of documents was onerous, but necessary.
Opulent	Wealthy, luxurious, or rich in appearance.	The opulent mansion featured gold fixtures, marble floors, and a grand chandelier.
Pernicious	Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.	The pernicious effects of smoking can take years to manifest, but they are serious.
Pragmatic	Dealing with things sensibly and realistically, based on practical experience.	The manager took a pragmatic approach to solving the company’s financial issues.
Prosaic	Lacking in imagination or excitement; dull or ordinary.	The prosaic details of the daily routine made the job feel monotonous.
Pernicious	Having a harmful effect, especially in a subtle or gradual way.	The pernicious effects of social media on self-esteem are increasingly being studied by psychologists.
Precarious	Dangerous or unstable; involving risk.	The precarious situation of climbing the mountain in bad weather could have resulted in disaster.
Pulchritude	Beauty, especially of a woman.	The pulchritude of the actress captivated the audience, who couldn’t stop admiring her grace.
Quaint	Attractive in an unusual or old-fashioned way.	The quaint little cottage by the lake seemed like something out of a fairytale.
Querulous	Complaining in a petulant or whining manner.	His querulous tone made it difficult to have a productive conversation with him.
Quintessential	Representing the most perfect or typical example of something.	The Eiffel Tower is the quintessential symbol of Paris, representing its culture and history.
Recalcitrant	Stubbornly refusing to obey authority or follow rules.	The recalcitrant student continued to challenge the teacher’s authority despite repeated warnings.
Resilient	Able to recover or bounce back quickly from difficulties or challenges.	The community showed a resilient spirit after the devastating earthquake, rebuilding homes and lives.
Reticent	Not revealing one’s thoughts or feelings easily; reserved.	He was reticent about sharing personal details, preferring to keep his private life to himself.
Rancor	Bitter resentment or ill-will.	There was a sense of rancor between the two rivals, as they fought for the same promotion.
Sycophant	A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage.	The CEO surrounded himself with sycophants who always agreed with him, even when his ideas were flawed.
Salient	Most noticeable or important; prominent.	The salient feature of the new smartphone is its impressive camera quality.
Soporific	Tending to induce sleep; sleep-inducing.	The professor’s monotonous voice had a soporific effect on the students, making them drowsy.
Substantiate	To provide evidence or proof to support a claim or argument.	The witness was called to substantiate the defendant’s alibi, confirming his whereabouts during the crime.
Sycophantic	Behaving or done in an excessively obsequious way in order to gain favour.	His sycophantic behaviour towards the boss made everyone uncomfortable and suspicious.
Tantamount	Equivalent in seriousness or effect.	His failure to deliver the project on time was tantamount to neglecting his duties.
Tantamount	Equivalent in seriousness or effect; virtually the same as.	His refusal to apologize was tantamount to admitting guilt in front of the judge.
Tacit	Understood or implied without being stated openly.	The tacit agreement between the two parties allowed for a smoother resolution of the dispute.
Tangential	Relating to or along a tangent; hardly touching a subject or topic; irrelevant.	The speaker’s tangential remarks distracted the audience from the main topic of the presentation.
Trepidation	A feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen.	She entered the exam hall with trepidation, unsure if her preparations would be enough.
Tantivy	Moving or happening at a rapid pace; in a galloping manner.	The soldiers charged tantivy into battle, not hesitating for even a moment.
Truncate	To shorten something by cutting off a part of it.	Due to time constraints, the speaker had to truncate his presentation and skip some slides.
Tenacious	Holding firm to a position or belief; determined and persistent.	His tenacious efforts in the project led to a successful outcome despite many challenges.
Terse	Brief and concise in speech or writing, often to the point of being rude.	Her terse response to the invitation made it clear that she was not interested in attending.
Tantamount	Equivalent in seriousness or effect; almost identical to something.	His careless actions were tantamount to breaking the law, though it wasn’t directly illegal.
Turgid	Swollen, bloated, or overly complex in language; pompous.	The professor’s turgid explanation left the students confused and uninterested.
Urge	To strongly recommend or encourage someone to do something.	The teacher urged her students to read widely to enhance their understanding of the subject.
Utilitarian	Designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive.	The utilitarian design of the building focused on functionality rather than aesthetics.
Unravel	To undo or solve something, especially something complicated or tangled.	The detective worked tirelessly to unravel the mystery behind the crime.
Vicarious	Experienced through the feelings or actions of another person.	He felt vicarious joy as he watched his friend win the race, imagining how it would feel to succeed.
Vicinity	The area near or surrounding a particular place.	There are several schools in the vicinity of the park, making it a convenient location for families.
Vex	To cause frustration, worry, or annoyance.	The constant noise from the construction site began to vex the residents of the neighbourhood.
Veneration	Great respect or reverence for someone or something.	The veneration of historical figures is common in many cultures, as they are seen as role models.
Volatile	Likely to change rapidly or unpredictably, especially for the worse.	The volatile nature of the stock market makes it a risky investment for those who lack experience.
Voracious	Having a very eager or intense desire for something, especially food or information.	The voracious reader consumed several books a week, constantly hungry for knowledge.
Venerable	Commanding respect due to age, dignity, or character.	The venerable teacher, with decades of experience, was respected by all the students.
Veracity	Conformity to facts; accuracy or truthfulness.	The veracity of the journalist’s report was questioned after new evidence emerged.
Vehement	Showing strong feeling; passionate or intense.	He gave a vehement speech against the proposed policy, urging the audience to stand firm.
Vigilant	Keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.	The security guard remained vigilant throughout the night to ensure the building was safe.
Warrant	To justify or guarantee something; to provide valid reasons for.	His actions were warranted by the circumstances, making his decision understandable.
Wistful	Longing or yearning for something, often with sadness or regret.	She felt a wistful nostalgia for the days when life seemed simpler and carefree.
Whimsical	Playfully quaint or fanciful; unusual and unpredictable.	The artist’s whimsical designs made the gallery an interesting place to visit.
Warranted	Justified; having a good reason or cause.	The police intervention was warranted after the situation escalated.
Wane	To decrease in size, strength, or intensity; to decline.	As the moon began to wane, the night sky grew darker and clearer.
Wheedle	To persuade someone to do something through flattery or manipulation.	He tried to wheedle his way into the good graces of the boss by complimenting her constantly.
Wanton	Deliberate and unprovoked; often referring to actions that are reckless or immoral.	The wanton destruction of the forest sparked outrage among environmental groups.
Wistfulness	A feeling of longing or sadness for something that may never return.	Her wistfulness about the past made her reflect on her childhood days spent by the sea.
Wield	To hold and use something, especially a tool or weapon, effectively.	The blacksmith wielded the hammer expertly, shaping the metal with precision.
Wholesome	Promoting health or well-being; morally good.	They enjoyed a wholesome meal, made with fresh ingredients that were both nutritious and delicious.
Xenophobic	Having or showing a dislike or prejudice against people from other countries.	His xenophobic remarks were met with backlash from the diverse community.
Xenial	Hospitable; relating to the relationship between a host and a guest.	Their xenial treatment of visitors made the event feel warm and welcoming.
Xerophilous	Able to thrive in dry conditions; drought-resistant.	Cacti are xerophilous plants that can survive in harsh desert climates with minimal water.
Yen	A strong desire or craving for something.	He had a yen for adventure and often travelled to remote places to explore new cultures.
Yearn	To have a strong desire or longing for something.	She yearned to see her family again after months of living abroad for her studies.
Yield	To give in or surrender; to produce or provide something.	The farmer’s hard work yielded a bountiful harvest, much more than he had anticipated.
Yoke	To join or link together; to control or oppress.	The workers sought to break free from the oppressive yoke of their employer’s harsh conditions.
Yore	Former times, especially when referred to with nostalgia or reverence.	In days of yore, people communicated through handwritten letters and face-to-face meetings.
Zany	Amusingly unconventional or eccentric; absurd.	His zany sense of humour always brought laughter to the office, lightening the mood.
Zealous	Showing great enthusiasm or passion for a cause or objective.	The zealous supporters of the charity organised a massive fundraising event for the cause.
Zenith	The highest point or peak of something.	The mountain climbers finally reached the zenith after days of challenging ascent.
Zephyr	A soft, gentle breeze.	The zephyr in the evening brought relief from the day’s scorching heat, cooling the air.
Zestful	Full of energy, enthusiasm, and excitement.	She approached the project with a zestful attitude, eager to see it succeed.
Zigzag	To move in sharp turns or angles; to change direction repeatedly.	The car moved in a zigzag pattern to avoid hitting the debris on the road.
Zion	A place of idealized happiness or perfection.	Many viewed the city as a modern-day Zion, a place where dreams could come true.
Zoology	The scientific study of animals and their behaviour, structure, and classification.	She chose zoology as her major because of her deep interest in animal behaviour and conservation.
Zucchini	A type of summer squash, often used in cooking.	She added zucchini to the soup for extra flavour and texture.

List of Common Lexis for IELTS

Find below the list of common lexes. The list will help you understand how to use them effectively in the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections.

Lexis	Meaning	Example Sentence
Achieve	To successfully complete or accomplish something.	He worked hard to achieve his goal of graduating with honors.
Benefit	An advantage or positive effect.	Exercising regularly has many benefits for your health.
Challenge	A difficult task or problem that requires effort to overcome.	Climbing Mount Everest is a great challenge for even the most experienced climbers.
Consist	To be made up or composed of something.	The team consists of five players from different countries.
Criticize	To express disapproval of someone or something.	She was criticized for not following the instructions properly.
Demonstrate	To show or explain something clearly through actions or examples.	The teacher will demonstrate how to solve the problem step by step.
Expand	To increase in size, number, or importance.	The company plans to expand its operations into new markets next year.
Highlight	To emphasize or make something stand out.	The speaker highlighted the importance of environmental conservation during the seminar.
Impact	The strong effect or influence something has.	The new technology will have a significant impact on the way we live.
Improve	To make something better or enhance its quality.	Studying a little bit each day can greatly improve your performance on exams.
Increase	To make or become greater in number, amount, or degree.	The price of groceries has increased significantly over the last year.
Provide	To give or supply something to someone.	The government provides free healthcare to low-income families.
Reduce	To make something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.	The company has implemented strategies to reduce its carbon emissions.
Significant	Important and meaningful; having a major effect.	There has been a significant increase in the number of students attending university in recent years.
Solution	A method or process for solving a problem.	The solution to the traffic problem is better public transportation.
Support	To give assistance or help to someone or something.	Her parents have always supported her in pursuing her dreams.
Sustain	To maintain something over a period of time.	It’s difficult to sustain a healthy lifestyle if you don’t have the right habits.
Trend	A general direction in which something is developing or changing.	The trend of online shopping has increased dramatically in recent years.
Unique	Being one of a kind or unlike anything else.	She has a unique talent for playing the piano, which amazes everyone.
Vary	To change or differ from something.	The prices of products can vary greatly depending on the location and demand.
Waste	To use something carelessly or without purpose, leading to a loss.	It’s important not to waste food, as many people around the world struggle with hunger.
Yield	To produce or provide something, often after a period of effort.	The farm yields a variety of fruits and vegetables every year.
Zeal	Great enthusiasm or passion for something.	She worked with great zeal to ensure the project’s success.
Zero	The point of complete absence of something.	His enthusiasm for the subject was at zero after the first few months.
Zigzag	A pattern of sharp turns or changes in direction, often in rapid succession.	The road zigzags up the mountain, making it a challenging drive.
Zonal	Relating to or situated in a specific zone.	The company has zonal offices in different parts of the country for better service delivery.
Zoom	To move quickly or advance rapidly.	The car zoomed past us on the highway, speeding faster than expected.

Less Common Idioms and Phrases in IELTS

The ILEST test not only contains less common words, but idioms and phrases, which you must avoid using repetitively. Using uncommon words repetitively can hurt your overall score on the IELTS test. Check the table below to have an understanding of some of the less common idioms and phrases in IELTS.

Idiom/Phrase	Meaning	Example
A blessing in disguise	Something that seems bad at first but results in something good later.	Losing that job was a blessing in disguise, as it led me to a much better opportunity.
A dime a dozen	Something that is very common and not unique.	Good ideas are a dime a dozen, but the execution is what matters.
Bite the bullet	To do something unpleasant or difficult that you have been avoiding.	You might have to bite the bullet and apologize for the mistake.
Burn the midnight oil	To work late into the night.	She had to burn the midnight oil to finish the project on time.
Cry over spilled milk	To be upset about something that cannot be changed.	It’s no use crying over spilled milk. Let’s focus on the solution instead.
Cut to the chase	To get to the point without wasting time.	I don’t have much time, so let’s cut to the chase and discuss the main issue.
Don’t cry wolf	To raise a false alarm.	He always complains about small problems, but this time, he wasn’t crying wolf.
Face the music	To confront the consequences of one’s actions.	He had to face the music after his dishonest actions were exposed.
Hit the nail on the head	To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.	You hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the situation.
In hot water	In trouble.	I’m in hot water because I missed the meeting with the client.
Keep your fingers crossed	To hope that something will happen the way you want it to.	I’ll keep my fingers crossed that I pass the exam.
Let the cat out of the bag	To reveal a secret unintentionally.	He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
Miss the boat	To miss an opportunity.	She missed the boat when she didn’t apply for the job in time.
Off the beaten track	To do something unusual or unconventional.	They decided to explore some off-the-beaten-track destinations on their vacation.
On cloud nine	Feeling extremely happy.	She was on cloud nine after receiving the job offer she had hoped for.
Once in a blue moon	Something that happens very rarely.	Once in a blue moon, I get the chance to relax and unwind with no responsibilities.
Out of the blue	Something happening unexpectedly.	He called me out of the blue after years of no contact.
Play it by ear	To improvise or deal with a situation as it develops.	We don’t have a set plan for tomorrow; we’ll just play it by ear and see how things unfold.
Put all your eggs in one basket	To risk everything on one plan or opportunity.	Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your investments to reduce risk.
Rock the boat	To cause trouble or disrupt a situation.	She didn’t want to rock the boat, so she kept her opinions to herself at the meeting.
Take it with a grain of salt	To be skeptical or not take something too seriously.	I heard a rumor, but I’ll take it with a grain of salt until I get more details.
The ball is in your court	It’s your turn to take action or make a decision.	I’ve done all I can to help; now the ball is in your court.
The best of both worlds	A situation where you can enjoy the benefits of two different things.	She has the best of both worlds: a successful career and a happy family life.
Through thick and thin	To support someone in all circumstances, no matter how difficult.	He stood by his friend through thick and thin, even during tough times.
Under the weather	To be ill or unwell.	I think I’m going to stay home today. I’m feeling a little under the weather.
Up in the air	Uncertain or undecided.	The plans for the event are still up in the air, as we haven’t received final approval.
When pigs fly	Something that will never happen.	He’ll apologize when pigs fly.
You can’t judge a book by its cover	You can’t judge something based solely on its appearance.	She may seem serious, but you can’t judge a book by its cover; she’s actually very friendly.
At the drop of a hat	Immediately, without any hesitation.	She would agree to help you at the drop of a hat if you ask her.
Back to square one	To start something over again from the beginning.	After the technical failure, we were back to square one in the project.
Beat around the bush	To avoid talking about something directly.	Stop beating around the bush and get to the point.
By the skin of your teeth	To barely manage to do something.	I passed the exam by the skin of my teeth!
Call it a day	To stop working for the day or give up on something.	Let’s call it a day and finish the rest tomorrow.
Cut corners	To do something in a cheaper or easier way, usually sacrificing quality.	He cut corners to save time, but it resulted in poor-quality work.
Get cold feet	To suddenly become nervous about something.	She got cold feet before the wedding and was unsure about going through with it.
Give someone the benefit of the doubt	To believe someone’s statement without proof.	I don’t have full evidence, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt until we know more.
Go the extra mile	To do more than what is required.	He always goes the extra mile to make sure the project is completed successfully.
Hit the sack	To go to bed or sleep.	I’m really tired. I think I’ll hit the sack early tonight.
In a nutshell	To describe something in a concise way.	To put it in a nutshell, the project was a complete success.
In the same boat	In the same situation or predicament.	We’re all in the same boat, so let’s work together to get through this.
Jump on the bandwagon	To join something popular or trendy.	She jumped on the bandwagon and started buying the latest phone as soon as it was released.
Keep an eye on	To watch something closely.	Keep an eye on the oven so the cookies don’t burn.
Let sleeping dogs lie	To avoid bringing up old problems or issues.	We’ve already discussed this issue. Let’s let sleeping dogs lie and move on.
Make a long story short	To summarize or get to the point quickly.	To make a long story short, we didn’t make it to the concert on time.
Not a cloud in the sky	Refers to a clear and sunny day.	The weather was perfect for a hike, with not a cloud in the sky.
On the ball	To be alert, attentive, and quick to respond.	You need to be on the ball during the meeting if you want to contribute effectively.
Once in a blue moon	Something that happens very rarely.	Once in a blue moon, I get the chance to relax and unwind with no responsibilities.
Out of the frying pan, into the fire	Going from a bad situation to a worse one.	When I quit my first job, I thought it was a better opportunity, but it was out of the frying pan into the fire.
Raining cats and dogs	Raining heavily.	It was raining cats and dogs during the thunderstorm last night.
Spill the beans	To reveal a secret.	He spilled the beans about the surprise party.
Take the bull by the horns	To confront a difficult situation head-on.	She decided to take the bull by the horns and confront her boss about the issue.
The early bird catches the worm	Those who start early have an advantage.	The early bird catches the worm, so don’t delay starting your assignment.
Throw in the towel	To give up or admit defeat.	After several failed attempts, he finally threw in the towel and quit trying.
Throw caution to the wind	To take a risk or act without worrying about the consequences.	She threw caution to the wind and decided to travel the world without a set plan.
Turn a blind eye	To ignore something that you know is wrong.	The teacher turned a blind eye to the students’ minor misbehavior.
Under your belt	To have accomplished or experienced something.	She has five years of experience under her belt and is ready for the new challenge.
Wild goose chase	A futile or hopeless search.	Searching for that missing document turned into a wild goose chase.

Top 5 Tips to Ace Your IELTS Score

IELTS Preparation: The IELTS Writing Section might seem like a formidable mountain to climb, but fret not! With the right preparation and consistent practice, you can reach the summit and achieve stellar scores. Here are the top 5 IELTS preparation tips to expedite your journey to IELTS success:

a) Engaging with a diverse range of sample papers constitutes a comprehensive preparation tool for IELTS writing. Through this simulated testing environment, individuals acquire a robust understanding of the section’s structure, the nuances of question formats, the anticipated level of difficulty, and the strategic allocation of time, all of which are crucial for optimizing one’s performance.

b) Prioritize purchasing resources that reflect the latest test format and come from reputable experts. Look for those packed with practice tests and loaded with insightful strategies to propel your scores. 

c) Implement self-imposed deadlines for your studying to enhance both your speed and precision. Structuring your preparation with time constraints will optimize both your efficiency and execution.

d) Transcending the confines of textbooks, effective IELTS preparation embraces a holistic immersion in the English language. Reading captivating novels, immersing oneself in compelling films, and engaging with the multifaceted voices of podcasts and news channels not only fortifies one’s linguistic foundation but also expands vocabulary horizons and refines grammatical precision, thus equipping candidates for the intricacies of the IELTS examination.

e) The bedrock of IELTS success lies in dedicated practice. For optimal preparation, construct a meticulous schedule, designating specific time blocks for each exam section. Through consistent engagement with practice tests and meticulous cultivation of your skills across all domains, you will feel poised to confront even the most formidable questions with unwavering confidence.

So that was all about the Less common words in IELTS. Hope the blog has answered your queries pertaining to the topic.

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