Six English Idioms That Are Easy to Use in Any Conversation
Our students tell us that they are familiar with many idioms and understand them when they hear them, however, the difficult part is using them themselves. If you are taking the speaking parts of the IELTS, Cambridge, or other exams, the examiners will be listening out for idioms. Using them will demonstrate your higher level of English. We have a page with all our favourite idioms here. You can also find them on our Instagram.
Below are six idioms that we think are particularly easy to slip into any discussion/answer. We suggest that you memorise and use these six well, as opposed to trying to learn long lists of idioms.
Firstly, "You've hit the nail on the head." This is a way of saying you agree with someone's point. This can be used in the two-way discussion part of the speaking exams when your partner makes a good point.
"It's not rocket science." This is a good way to say something is obvious or not complicated. It can easy be used when discussing any topic, for example: "If we continue to destroy the rainforests, there will be no homes left for the animals. It's as simple as that. It's not rocket science."
"I need to recharge my batteries." This is about relaxing. Examiners will often ask you about your free time, television, hobbies, weekends, holidays etc. You can say: "People need to take regular holidays to recharge their batteries." Or: "I enjoy reading in bed at the weekends to recharge my batteries." Or: "It's important to spend time away from screens and technology and recharge your batteries."
"It's a piece of cake." This means that something is easy. Whether an examiner is asking you about your studies, work, your journey to work, hobby etc. you can say: "I live close to my work so travelling there is a piece of cake."
"Call it a day." This means to stop. Uses could include: "I was using apps to learn English but it wasn't a good method for me, so I called it a day." Or: "People who smoke are damaging their health. In my opinion, they should call it a day."
"It costs an arm and a leg." This is a way of saying something is expensive. This could be used in conversations about technology, study resources, travel, food, hobbies. "I tried surfing and enjoyed it but the boards cost an arm and a leg." Or: "If you don't have healthcare in America, treatment will cost you an arm and a leg." Or: "The new iPhone has state of the art technology but it costs an arm and a leg."
Tip: Don't forget to use phrasal verbs too. We have some useful advice here.
Take a class with one of our online teachers via Skype and practise using idioms with them in conversations. Book a class here.
Are there any idioms which you use frequently? Comment below.
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Good luck with your English!
Sarah x